Lagos will once again become a meeting point for theatrical voices from across the world when the Lagos International Theatre Festival returns for its 2026 edition, featuring productions, creative exchanges and performances that explore the many identities people carry through life.
The festival is scheduled for November 14 and 15 at the MUSON Centre, Lagos, with artists and productions from Nigeria, Kenya, Canada and Brazil participating under the theme “The Masks We Wear” and the statement “The Stage Is Everywhere.”
The organisers say this year’s theme examines the different roles people assume in their daily lives while encouraging audiences to look beyond the traditional boundaries of theatre. With reported attendance exceeding 25,000 across its programme days, the festival continues to draw significant public interest to live performance and the creative arts.
Among the international presentations is Under The Mango Tree by Grand Theatre, Canada, directed by Lynette Randall. The international lineup will also include productions from Kenya and Brazil, introducing audiences to theatrical works from different cultural backgrounds.
Nigeria’s own creative depth will be represented by productions from Lagos, Abuja, Enugu and Abeokuta.
The Nigerian selection features Monkey Laundry, directed by Olarotimi Fakunle; tHERapy, directed by Tosin Adeyemi; Men-Oh-Pause, directed by Elvina Ibru; and Behind Closed Doors, directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters.
The festival will also welcome emerging theatre makers from Atlantic Hall, Evergreen College and Children International School, whose productions will appear alongside works by professional and independent practitioners.
Before the principal performances begin, LITF will host a series of activities designed to connect theatre with other dimensions of cultural and creative life.
The programme opens on November 9 with Theatre Meets Food, hosted by chef and entrepreneur Hilda Baci. The event will bring artists, partners, cultural leaders and members of the creative community together for food, conversation and artistic interaction.
Embassy Nights, taking place on November 10 and 11, will focus on cultural exchange among diplomatic representatives, artists and creative industry leaders.
On November 12, Conversations and Culture will feature masterclasses and discussions covering mental health and wellness, vocal performance, DJing, copyright and other issues affecting the creative industries.
An Opening Night Gala follows on November 13, setting the stage for the festival’s main weekend.
According to festival founder Bolanle Austen-Peters, the 2026 theme is intended to encourage deeper reflection on the identities people present to the world.
“‘The Masks We Wear’ is a theme that speaks to all of us. We all play different roles in our lives, and theatre allows us to examine those roles, question them, and perhaps see ourselves differently,” she said.
Austen-Peters also noted that the festival’s central message extends beyond the physical theatre space.
“This year, we are also reminding audiences that theatre is not confined to a theatre building. The stage is everywhere.”
With productions spanning four countries, performances from Nigerian cities and dedicated opportunities for younger theatre practitioners, the Lagos International Theatre Festival is preparing an edition that places artistic expression, cultural interaction and the wider creative economy within the same programme.
The 2026 festival will take place at the MUSON Centre on November 14 and 15, with its supporting events beginning on November 9.
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