Lagos International Theatre Festival returns with global lineup
By Trek Africa Newspaper
The Lagos International Theatre Festival will return for its 2026 edition from November 14 to 15 at the MUSON Centre, Lagos, with theatre productions from Nigeria and other parts of the world.
The festival, which reportedly attracts more than 25,000 attendees across its programme days, will be held under the theme, “The Masks We Wear,” with the statement, “The Stage Is Everywhere.”
According to the organisers, the theme explores the different roles and identities people assume in their everyday lives, while encouraging audiences to consider theatre beyond the conventional stage.
The 2026 edition will feature artists and productions from Nigeria, Kenya, Canada and Brazil.
An international highlight of the festival will be Under The Mango Tree by Grand Theatre, Canada, directed by Lynette Randall. Productions from Kenya and Brazil will also form part of the international programme.
The Nigerian programme will feature productions from Lagos, Abuja, Enugu and Abeokuta, including ‘Monkey Laundry’, directed by Olarotimi Fakunle; ‘tHERapy’, directed by Tosin Adeyemi; ‘Men-Oh-Pause’, directed by Elvina Ibru; and ‘Behind Closed Doors’, directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters.
The festival will also provide a platform for emerging theatre makers, with productions from Atlantic Hall, Evergreen College and Children International School, alongside professional and independent productions.
The activities will begin ahead of the main festival weekend with a series of programmes across Lagos.
On November 9, Theatre Meets Food, hosted by chef and entrepreneur Hilda Baci, will bring together artists, partners, cultural leaders and members of the creative community for an evening of food, theatre and conversation.
This will be followed by Embassy Nights on November 10 and 11, aimed at promoting cultural exchange among diplomatic representatives, artists and creative industry leaders.
On November 12, Conversations and Culture will feature masterclasses and discussions on issues including mental health and wellness, vocal performance, DJing and copyright, as well as other subjects affecting the creative industries.
The programme will culminate in an Opening Night Gala on November 13, ahead of the main festival on November 14 and 15.
The founder of LITF, Bolanle Austen-Peters, said the theme was intended to encourage audiences to reflect on the different roles people play in their daily lives.
She said, “The Masks We Wear is a theme that speaks to all of us. We all play different roles in our lives, and theatre allows us to examine those roles, question them, and perhaps see ourselves differently.
“This year, we are also reminding audiences that theatre is not confined to a theatre building. The stage is everywhere.”
Source: Punch Newspaper
