The Lagos International Theatre Festival (LITF) is set to debut in November 2024, bringing together a diverse mix of creative talents, including actors, directors, playwrights, and filmmakers from around the world. Organized by renowned theatre director Bolanle Austen-Peters in partnership with Lagos State, the festival aims to cultivate a thriving community for actors, promote excellence, and foster sustainability in Nigeria’s creative industry.
Scheduled to run from November 15 to 17, 2024, the festival will take place across four iconic Lagos venues: The National Theatre (Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts), Terra Kulture, Muson Centre, and John Randle Centre. The event promises to feature a wide array of performances, including musicals, skits, and theatre repertory, all celebrating Africa’s rich cultural diversity and storytelling heritage.
Bolanle Austen-Peters, alongside major sponsors like First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Dorman Long Engineering, Amstel Malta, and the Wole Soyinka Centre, expressed the festival’s mission to provide a platform for Nigerian creatives to share their talents with the world. “Nigeria is blessed with immense creativity. It’s time we tell our stories and showcase our values on the global stage,” she said.
The festival is backed by an advisory board featuring notable figures like Joke Silva, Femi Elufowoju Jr., Chioma Ude, and Israel Eboh, among others. These experts will guide the artistic direction of the festival, ensuring a successful launch.
In addition to performances, LITF 2024 will offer workshops, masterclasses, and panel discussions led by industry professionals, providing aspiring artists with valuable learning opportunities. A vibrant marketplace showcasing theatre-related merchandise will also be part of the festivities.
LITF 2024 is expected to be a transformative event, contributing significantly to the local economy by generating employment, boosting tourism, and driving growth in Lagos’ creative sector. The festival promises to be an unforgettable celebration of culture, creativity, and collaboration, bringing together theatre enthusiasts and performers for a weekend of inspiration and entertainment.
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
