On July 13, 2024, President Bola Tinubu officially renamed the National Arts Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos, as the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts in honour of Nigeria’s literary giant and Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka, on his 90th birthday.
The National Theatre stands as a monumental symbol of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and artistic expression. Built in 1976, in preparation for the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC ’77), the National Theatre was designed to serve as a premier venue for the celebration of African arts, culture, and heritage.
Its construction was inspired by the Palace of Culture and Sports in Varna, Bulgaria, reflecting a blend of modernist architecture with deep cultural resonance.
The theatre has played a pivotal role in promoting Nigeria’s artistic scene, hosting countless performances, exhibitions, and cultural events over the decades. It has been a nurturing ground for many of Nigeria’s finest artists, playwrights, musicians, and dancers, contributing to the development and global recognition of Nigerian arts and culture.
One of the most prominent events held at the National Theatre was the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC ’77), which brought together artists, performers, and cultural enthusiasts from across Africa and the African diaspora.
This event showcased the richness of African culture through music, dance, drama, and visual arts, marking a significant moment in the celebration of Pan-Africanism.
Over the years, the National Theatre has been the venue for groundbreaking theatrical productions by some of Nigeria’s most esteemed playwrights and directors. Plays by the Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, such as Death and the King’s Horseman and A Dance of the Forests, have graced its stage, alongside works by other literary icons like Ola Rotimi and J.P. Clark.
It also served as a key filming location for the “Keys to the Kingdom” video in Beyoncé’s visual album, Black Is King which celebrates African culture and heritage.
Another highlight was when Nigerian music star Burna Boy performed a medley of his hits “Level Up,” “Onyeka,” and “Ye” at the National Theatre during the Premiere ceremony of the 63rd Grammy Awards on March 2, 2021.
Despite facing periods of neglect and decline, the National Theatre remains a vital cultural institution in Nigeria. The recent renaming of the National Arts Theatre to the Wole Soyinka Centre for Creative Arts underscores its continued relevance and the nation’s commitment to revitalizing its cultural infrastructure.
This change honours the esteemed Nigerian playwright, Soyinka, acknowledging his profound contributions to art and literature both in Nigeria and globally.
Who is Wole Soyinka?
Wole Soyinka, who was born on July 13, 1934, in Abeokuta, Nigeria, has had a transformative impact on both Nigerian and global literature and theatre.
His influential works include groundbreaking plays such as Death and the King’s Horseman and A Dance of the Forests, which explore themes of cultural conflict, tyranny, and social justice. Soyinka’s writing and activism have significantly shaped contemporary theatre and literature, bringing global attention to African voices and perspectives.
Soyinka’s contributions extend beyond the stage and page; his role as an activist has made him a prominent advocate for democracy and human rights. His influence spans across continents, with his work resonating in international literary circles and contributing to global discussions on culture and politics.
The renaming of the theatre to honour Soyinka not only celebrates his enduring legacy but also reinforces the centre’s role in advancing and preserving artistic excellence in Nigeria and beyond.
Features of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts
The theatre has undergone extensive renovation since July 2021, following approval by the federal government and the handover of the national edifice to the Bankers’ Committee.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu commended the Bankers’ Committee and stakeholders in the creative sector in a post on X for their collaboration with the Lagos State Government in revitalizing the National Arts Theatre and noted that the newly transformed Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts would be comparable to the World International Centre and was expected to be completed in about four months.
The renovation included replacing the entire Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, upgrading fire safety standards, and modernizing power, water supply, and sewage systems. The interior design was updated with new Audio Video Lighting (AVL) systems, world stage engineering technology, 11 new lifts, and solar power.
New furniture was installed, and artworks, including those on the internal wall panels and building façade, were restored. These extensive upgrades ensure that the centre will meet international standards and continue to serve as a premier venue for artistic and cultural events.
The renovation includes upgrades to multiple areas: the 4,000-seat main auditorium, a banquet hall with over 3,000 seats, two exhibition spaces, three cinemas, VIP areas, actors’ dressing rooms, an industrial kitchen, and over 300 new restroom facilities.
New additions also include a clinic, a fire station, and significant repairs to the roof, alongside renovations to the lobbies at all four entrances.
According to the Lagos State Governor, these enhancements aim to bring the centre up to international standards, ensuring its role as a leading venue for cultural and artistic events.
Impact on the creative arts community
The upgraded facilities, including the modernized auditorium, exhibition halls, and cinemas, will provide artists with high-quality spaces for performances and exhibitions.
This enhancement is expected to invigorate the local arts scene, enabling a wider range of creative expressions and higher-quality productions. The addition of new support facilities, such as an industrial kitchen and expanded restroom facilities, will allow the centre to host larger and more complex events, facilitating major cultural festivals and international performances.
This, in turn, will create more opportunities for Nigerian artists and performers to engage with diverse audiences.
Naming the centre after Wole Soyinka not only celebrates one of Nigeria’s most influential cultural figures but also underscores the importance of Nigerian cultural heritage.
This recognition is likely to boost national pride and inspire both established and emerging artists. The revitalized centre will provide a prestigious platform for local talent to showcase their work, supporting the development of the next generation of Nigerian creatives.
On a global scale, the transformation of the centre is expected to attract international attention, enhancing Nigeria’s presence on the global arts stage. The centre’s alignment with global standards will draw global artists, cultural tourists, and industry professionals, promoting greater cultural exchange and collaboration.
This increased visibility can lead to new partnerships and opportunities for cross-cultural dialogue, enriching the global arts community.
As Nigeria strengthens its presence in the global arts community, the centre will play a crucial role in promoting African creativity and heritage, ensuring that the nation’s rich cultural legacy continues to thrive and inspire on an international scale.