Bolanle Austen-Peters, a prominent figure in Nigerian theatre, is set to launch the Lagos International Theatre Festival (LITF) in November 2024. This highly anticipated event will bring together a remarkable blend of local and international creative talents, establishing a vibrant platform for thespians and artists from various backgrounds.
The festival aims to elevate the creative industry in Nigeria, fostering excellence and sustainability through performances that celebrate African culture and storytelling.
With her expertise as a renowned theatre director, producer, and filmmaker, Austen-Peters is at the helm of this initiative, which has garnered the support of key corporate sponsors like First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Dorman Long Engineering, Amstel Malta, and the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts.
In a statement regarding the festival’s launch, Bolanle Austen-Peters emphasized the importance of Nigeria’s creative talents, noting that they represent the country’s greatest resource.
She highlighted the need for platforms where Nigerian artists can tell their own stories and share positive values with the world. LITF will serve as a space for creatives to explore their craft, collaborate, and showcase their work on a global stage.
The festival will run from November 15 to 17, 2024, and will take place across four key venues in Lagos: The National Theatre, Terra Kulture, Muson Centre, and John Randle Centre.
These locations will host a variety of performances, including musicals, skits, and repertory theatre, creating a rich tapestry of African art and expression.
The Lagos State Government is the festival’s lead sponsor, showing its commitment to nurturing the state’s arts and culture scene.
Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, the Honourable Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, remarked that the festival reflects the dynamic cultural heritage of Lagos and the artistic spirit of its people.
She emphasized the power of theatre to inspire, challenge, and connect communities, highlighting how this festival will bring people together to celebrate creativity and storytelling.
The involvement of First Bank of Nigeria, under its First Arts initiative, further strengthens the festival’s goals of supporting youth development in the arts and empowering Nigeria’s creative industry.
Folake Ani-Mumuney, Group Head of Marketing & Corporate Communications at First Bank, expressed the bank’s excitement to contribute to the event and support the future of Nigerian artistry.
The festival’s advisory and governing boards consist of several notable figures from the Nigerian and international creative industries, ensuring that LITF 2024 will be a world-class event.
Esteemed personalities 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 are playing key roles in shaping the festival’s programming.
Their collective experience and influence will help craft a lineup that captures the essence of African theatre while appealing to a global audience. This collaboration between industry giants ensures a well-rounded and captivating experience for festivalgoers.
Apart from the main performances, LITF 2024 will offer workshops, masterclasses, and panel discussions featuring prominent theatre professionals. These sessions will provide valuable learning opportunities for emerging artists and practitioners looking to hone their skills.
The festival will also feature a marketplace showcasing theatre-related merchandise, offering attendees a chance to engage with and support local artisans.
The combination of performances and educational programs aims to inspire both seasoned and aspiring artists, encouraging them to push the boundaries of their creativity.
As a premier cultural event, LITF 2024 will serve as a platform for artists to exchange ideas and collaborate across borders. By attracting international participants, the festival will highlight Lagos as a global hub for the arts, reinforcing the city’s growing reputation in the creative industry.
Audiences will be treated to a diverse array of performances that span different genres and styles, reflecting the unique stories and traditions of the African continent. LITF aims to create an atmosphere of innovation and artistic exploration, leaving a lasting impression on all who attend.
LITF 2024 is not just about entertainment; it has the potential to significantly impact the local economy by creating jobs, boosting tourism, and promoting Lagos as a key destination for cultural events.
The festival will contribute to the growth of Nigeria’s creative industry, helping to generate revenue for the city and provide new opportunities for local talent. By attracting tourists and investors, LITF is expected to enhance the visibility of Lagos on the global stage, positioning the city as a cultural capital in Africa.
Overall, the Lagos International Theatre Festival is poised to become an iconic event in the Nigerian cultural calendar, offering a vibrant and immersive experience for theatre lovers, performers, and culture enthusiasts.
With its focus on creativity, diversity, and collaboration, the festival will be a celebration of African heritage and artistry, providing a platform for future generations of artists to thrive.
Whether through performances, educational programs, or networking opportunities, LITF 2024 promises to be an unforgettable event that will leave a lasting legacy in the world of theatre and the creative arts.
