The Lagos International Theatre Festival is set to make its debut, bringing together a dynamic lineup of local and international talent in a celebration of theatrical art.
Filmmaker and Terra Kulture Executive Director, Bolanle Austen-Peters, officially launched the festival at a press conference on November 5 at the Governor’s House in Marina, alongside Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The festival, scheduled to run from November 14-17, 2024, will feature 25 stage productions including three international highlights designed to draw global attention, according to the Punch. The performances will be held at key Lagos venues, including the University of Lagos, Terra Kulture, Muson Centre’s Agip Hall, and Glover Hall, positioning Lagos as a premier destination for performing arts in Africa.
Austen-Peters shared her initial hesitations about organizing the festival, but her 22-year journey at Terra Kulture ultimately inspired her to take on the challenge.
“As a leader in Nigerian theatre and someone who has trained over 24,000 youths, I felt a duty to make Lagos a beacon for theatre across Africa and the world,” she stated.
Sanwo-Olu affirmed the state’s commitment to fostering Lagos’s cultural sector, viewing the festival as a key initiative to enhance the city’s creative landscape. “We aim to make Lagos a thriving cultural hub where art and theatre flourish, not only for residents but also for visitors from around the world,” he said.
