The Lagos International Theatre Festival has announced its return for 2026, taking place from November 9 to 15, 2026. The Main Festival Weekend will be held on November 14-15 at the MUSON Centre in Lagos. Founded by Bolanle Austen-Peters, the festival brings together artists, audiences, and industry leaders from Nigeria, Africa, and around the world. This year's edition features international productions from Kenya, Canada, and Brazil, alongside Nigerian productions from various cities.
The 2026 edition of the festival has the theme "The Masks We Wear," which explores the identities and roles people navigate in everyday life. The campaign statement, "The Stage Is Everywhere," invites audiences to see performance as a part of daily life, culture, and public conversation. According to Festival Director Vanessa Jev, the festival continues to connect Nigerian theatre with artists, audiences, and ideas from across Africa and the world.
The festival week will begin on November 9 with Theatre Meets Food, an intimate evening hosted by Hilda Baci that connects food, theatre, and Lagos's creative community. On November 10 and 11, Embassy Nights with the British and American embassies will bring two evenings of international cultural exchange with diplomatic representatives and creative-industry leaders.
The week will build toward the Opening Night Gala on November 13, a high-visibility evening bringing together celebrities, artists, and cultural leaders. The Main Festival Weekend on November 14 and 15 will feature two full days of live theatre at MUSON Centre, showcasing Nigerian and international artists alongside emerging voices and young performers.
The programme includes productions such as Under The Mango Tree from Canada, directed by Lennette Randall, and Tristia: Blood Bird from Norway, tHERapy, directed by Tosin Adeyemi. The festival will also showcase school productions from Atlantic Hall, Evergreen College, and Children International School, alongside additional productions from Kenya and Brazil.
LITF 2026 is supported by the Lagos State Government, Afreximbank, Ledco, Wema Bank, Pillar Oil, Prime Atlantic, and Amstel, alongside a growing network of international and cultural partners. According to Founder Bolanle Austen-Peters, theatre has the power to hold up a mirror to who we are, and who we present ourselves to be.
Tickets, full programme details, and venue information will be announced in the coming weeks. More information is available at www.lagosinternationaltheatrefestival.ng, and updates can be followed on Instagram, X, and Facebook at @officiallitfest. The festival promises to be an exciting celebration of arts and culture, with a diverse range of productions and events.
Key points
- The festival features international productions from Kenya, Canada, and Brazil, alongside Nigerian productions from various cities.
- The theme of the festival is "The Masks We Wear," which explores the identities and roles people navigate in everyday life.
- The festival is supported by the Lagos State Government, Afreximbank, Ledco, Wema Bank, Pillar Oil, Prime Atlantic, and Amstel.
