The Lagos International Theatre Festival (LITF) is returning for its 2026 edition on November 14-15 at the MUSON Centre in Lagos. This year's festival, themed "The Masks We Wear," will feature a diverse programme of theatre from Nigeria and around the world. The event, which attracts over 25,000 attendees, has become one of the most anticipated cultural events in Lagos.
The festival's theme, anchored by the statement "The Stage Is Everywhere," explores the different roles and identities people assume in everyday life. It invites audiences to consider how theatre extends beyond the traditional stage. LITF 2026 will bring an international dimension to Lagos, featuring artists and productions from Kenya, Canada, and Brazil, alongside a diverse Nigerian programme.
The international highlight of the festival includes Grand Theatre's "Under The Mango Tree" from Canada, directed by Lynette Randall. Productions from Kenya and Brazil will add further cultural and theatrical perspectives to the event. The Nigerian programme features productions from Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, and Abeokuta, including "Monkey Laundry," directed by Olarotimi Fakunle, and "tHERapy," directed by Tosin Adeyemi.
The festival will also spotlight emerging theatre makers through productions from Atlantic Hall, Evergreen College, and Children International School. These productions will be presented alongside professional and independent productions. The event is supported by the Lagos State Government, Lekoil, Pillar Oil, Afrexim, and Amstel, as well as its growing network of international and cultural partners.
The festival experience will begin ahead of the main weekend with a series of events across Lagos. On November 9, "Theatre Meets Food," hosted by Hilda Baci, will bring together artists, partners, cultural leaders, and members of the Lagos creative community for an evening of food, theatre, and conversation. This will be followed by Embassy Nights on November 10 and 11.
November 12 will feature "Conversations & Culture," a day of masterclasses and discussions covering mental health and wellness, vocal performance, DJing, copyright, and other issues shaping the creative industries. The programme will culminate in an Opening Night Gala on November 13, ahead of the main festival weekend at MUSON Centre on November 14 and 15.
Founder of LITF, Bolanle Austen-Peters, said that the theme "The Masks We Wear" speaks to all of us, as we all play different roles in our lives. Festival Director, Vanessa Jev, expressed excitement about the diversity of voices at this year's festival, with Nigerian artists joining performers from Kenya, Canada, and Brazil to create opportunities for audiences to experience different cultures and perspectives.
Key points
- The Lagos International Theatre Festival will take place from November 14-15 at the MUSON Centre in Lagos.
- This year's festival theme is "The Masks We Wear," exploring the different roles and identities people assume in everyday life.
- The festival will feature productions from Nigeria, Kenya, Canada, and Brazil, showcasing diverse cultural and theatrical perspectives.
