Manny Ita –
Nigeria joined the rest of the world today, March 27, to mark World Theatre Day, with performances, discussions, and cultural showcases taking place across major cities including Lagos and Abuja.
Events were held at creative hubs such as Glover Memorial Hall and Freedom Park, where theatre practitioners, performers, and art lovers gathered for live stage performances, spoken word, and cultural expressions highlighting the importance of theatre in society. Organisers emphasized theatre’s role as a tool for storytelling, unity, and social reflection.
The 2026 celebration is centered around the theme “Theatre: A Culture of Peace,” with stakeholders stressing that theatre remains a powerful platform for dialogue, healing, and national cohesion.
In a statement released earlier today, the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners called on the federal government to strengthen support for the creative sector. The association noted that despite theatre’s cultural and economic value, practitioners continue to face challenges such as limited infrastructure, high production costs, and inconsistent policies.
Industry leaders also highlighted the symbolic importance of the National Theatre Lagos, recently renamed in honor of Wole Soyinka, describing it as a central hub for artistic expression and cultural identity in Nigeria.
Beyond policy discussions, celebrations across Nigeria featured a mix of traditional and contemporary performances, reflecting the country’s evolving theatre landscape. Experts say Nigerian theatre is increasingly blending live stagecraft with digital innovation, including streaming and multimedia productions, to attract younger audiences and expand global reach.
World Theatre Day, first introduced in 1961 by the International Theatre Institute, is observed annually to promote the value of theatre arts and its role in cultural exchange and human connection worldwide.
Today’s activities in Nigeria highlight both the resilience of the theatre community and the urgent need for stronger institutional backing to sustain growth in the creative industry.
