The Lagos International Theatre Festival will be back for its 2026 edition from November 14 to 15 at the MUSON Centre in Lagos. The festival will showcase theatre productions from Nigeria and other countries.
The event usually attracts over 25,000 people during its programme days. This year, the theme is “The Masks We Wear,” and the statement is, “The Stage Is Everywhere.”
The organisers say the theme looks at the different roles and identities people take on in their daily lives. It also pushes audiences to think about theatre beyond the usual stage.
In 2026, artists and productions from Nigeria, Kenya, Canada, and Brazil will be featured.
A major highlight will be Under The Mango Tree by Grand Theatre from Canada, directed by Lynette Randall. Productions from Kenya and Brazil will also be part of the international lineup.
The Nigerian programme will include productions from Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, and Abeokuta. Some of the shows are ‘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 support new theatre makers. Productions from Atlantic Hall, Evergreen College, and Children International School will be showcased along with professional and independent works.
Activities will kick off before the main festival weekend with several events across Lagos.
On November 9, Theatre Meets Food will be hosted by chef and entrepreneur Hilda Baci. This event will bring together artists, partners, cultural leaders, and members of the creative community for an evening of food, theatre, and conversation.
Next, there will be Embassy Nights on November 10 and 11. This event aims to promote cultural exchange among diplomats, artists, and creative industry leaders.
On November 12, Conversations and Culture will feature masterclasses and discussions. Topics will include mental health and wellness, vocal performance, DJing, copyright, and other important issues for the creative industries.
The programme will wrap up with an Opening Night Gala on November 13, just before the main festival on November 14 and 15.
Bolanle Austen-Peters, the founder of LITF, said the theme aims to get audiences thinking about the different roles people play in their lives.
She stated, “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.
“This year, we are also reminding audiences that theatre is not confined to a theatre building. The stage is everywhere.”
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