Filmmaker and Executive Director of Terra Kulture, Bolanle Austen-Peters, has formally unveiled the inaugural Lagos International Theatre Festival, which is set to occur from November 14 to 17, 2024.
During a press conference held at the Governor’s House in Marina, Lagos, on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, it was officially announced that the Lagos International Theatre Festival will soon be taking center stage in the city.
The festival, a vibrant showcase of theatrical brilliance, will feature 25 stage plays, with three international showpieces set to headline the event.
The festival will unfold across four renowned venues in Lagos: the University of Lagos, Terra Kulture, the Muson Centre’s Agip Hall, and Glover Hall.
Each of these iconic locations will host performances that promise to deliver an unforgettable experience for theatre enthusiasts and visitors alike.
Austen-Peters, who is behind the festival’s creation, initially had reservations about organizing the event.
However, she shared a pivotal moment during the press conference, reflecting on her decision: “I didn’t want to do this festival, but I recognised that as a front-liner with Terra Kulture, 22 years later, creating jobs, creating opportunities with an academy that has trained over 24,000 young people today, I had no choice but to do it. We will make this the best theatre location in West Africa, in Africa, and the world.”
Her words resonated deeply, marking a significant moment in the festival’s journey. This passionate commitment stems from Austen-Peters’ vision of transforming the theatre landscape, not only within Lagos but across the continent and beyond.
The Lagos International Theatre Festival has received strong backing from the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
During the event, he expressed his administration’s full support for the festival, recognizing the cultural and economic potential it holds for the state.
Sanwo-Olu highlighted the importance of such initiatives, stating, “Our hope is to use this brilliant initiative to support theatre practitioners and to encourage listing art activities ahead so that visitors to our state can have an idea of what each month offers for them.”
With this powerful collaboration and a promising lineup, the Lagos International Theatre Festival is set to become a global cultural landmark, with the support of both local and international stakeholders working together to elevate Lagos as a premier destination for the arts.
