Lagos International Theatre Festival to première in November

The Lagos International Theatre Festival (LITF) is set to premiere in November 2024, bringing together an amazing lineup of creative talents from around the world.

Established by Bolanle Austen-Peters in collaboration with Lagos State, the first LITF aspires to promote a lively community for thespians while also supporting quality and sustainability in the creative business. 

The festival is being spearheaded by the acclaimed theatrical director, producer, and award-winning filmmaker, with assistance from corporate leaders such as First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Dorman Long Engineering, Amstel Malta, and the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts.

Speaking on the launch, she said, "The creative industry is at the heart of every nation that thrives, and Nigeria is especially blessed with imaginative creativity and abundant talents.

This is what God has blessed us with—the only resource that is infinite.

"It is important for us to provide a platform where our creative minds can explore, tell our stories, and export our positive philosophies and values to the world. This is why we are launching the Lagos International Theatre Festival."

The festival is scheduled from November 15 to 17, 2024, in four major venues in Lagos: the National Theatre (Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts), Terra Kulture, Muson Centre, and John Randle Centre. 

These venues will showcase a varied range of events, including musicals, skits, and theatre repertory, to celebrate the richness of African culture and storytelling.

The Lagos State Government, the festival's primary sponsor, is firmly devoted to fostering the arts and culture scene within its borders.

According to The Honourable Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, "Today, we celebrate the vibrant cultural heritage and artistic spirit that make our state truly special. 

"This theatre festival not only showcase the incredible talent of our local performers, directors, and playwrights but also bring our communities together in a shared experience of storytelling and creativity. Theatre has the power to inspire, to challenge, and to connect us, reminding us of our shared humanity."