The Lagos International Theatre Festival (LITF) is set to debut this November 2024, showcasing a diverse range of creative talents from around the world. This inaugural festival is established by the renowned Bolanle Austen-Peters in collaboration with Lagos State.
Bolanle Austen-Peters, a prominent figure in the Nigerian theatre scene, has partnered with corporate leaders such as First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Dorman Long Engineering, Amstel Malta, and the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts to launch the festival. The event aims to create a dynamic platform for thespians, promoting excellence and sustainability in the creative industry.
Speaking about the festival, Austen-Peters highlighted the importance of the creative sector, stating, “The creative industry is at the heart of every thriving nation, and Nigeria is blessed with imaginative creativity and abundant talent. This festival provides a platform for our creatives to explore, share our stories, and promote our positive values to the world.”
The Lagos International Theatre Festival will take place from November 15 to 17, 2024, across four major venues in Lagos: The National Theatre (Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts), Terra Kulture, Muson Centre, and John Randle Centre. The festival will feature a variety of performances, including musicals, skits, and theatre repertory, celebrating the richness of African culture and storytelling.
The Lagos State Government is the festival’s lead sponsor, with The Honourable Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, expressing enthusiasm for the event. She stated, “Theatre has the power to inspire, challenge, and connect us, celebrating the vibrant cultural heritage and artistic spirit of our state.”
First Bank of Nigeria, under its First Arts initiative, is the lead banking sponsor of the festival’s maiden edition. Folake Ani-Mumuney, Group Head of Marketing & Corporate Communications at First Bank, remarked, “We are delighted to support this festival, contributing to nation-building and supporting the creative arts value chain.”
LITF 2024 promises a vibrant celebration of creativity and diversity, featuring performances from both local and international artists. The festival’s advisory and governing boards include notable figures such as Joke Silva, Femi Elufowoju Jr., Chioma Ude, Jahman Anikulapo, Israel Eboh, Samuel Perry, Kehinde Bankole, Osas Ighodaro, John Momoh, Karl Toriola, Yemi Idowu, Ron Kunene, Ladi Chinede, Donald Duke, and Yewande Zaccheus, ensuring a world-class event.
In addition to performances, the festival will host workshops, masterclasses, and panel discussions led by seasoned professionals, providing valuable learning opportunities for aspiring artists. A vibrant marketplace will also feature theatre-related merchandise.
LITF 2024 is expected to be a memorable experience for theatre enthusiasts and culture lovers, while also contributing to the local economy by driving growth in the creative industry, generating employment, and boosting tourism in Lagos State.