International Theatre Festival to be hosted by Lagos in November
Group photograph of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and organisers of the Lagos International Theatre Festival.
Lagos is set to take centre stage once again as the Lagos International Theatre Festival returns for its 2025 edition, a week-long celebration of creativity, culture, and connection running from 10–16 November 2025.
In a statement on Tuesday, the organisers said the festival, recognised as Africa’s leading international theatre event, will transform Lagos into a global stage for world-class performances, artistic dialogue, and cultural exchange. From red-carpet galas and premieres to immersive street theatre, the festival captures the vibrant spirit of Lagos and showcases the creative pulse of a continent redefining contemporary storytelling.
This year’s edition will feature 20 productions across five stages, with theatre companies from Nigeria, South Africa, and the United States. Alongside the performances, the programme includes masterclasses, networking events, and cultural showcases, positioning LITF as one of Africa’s most important platforms for artistic collaboration and performance.
According to the organisers, audiences can expect “a city alive with art, from pop-up performances and live music to creative markets and food stalls,” making LITF one of the most anticipated cultural experiences in Africa’s creative calendar.
The week-long programme begins on Monday, 10 November, with Theatre Meets Food at Kaly Restaurant, a curated evening of gourmet dining, cocktails, live performances, and networking with Lagos’s cultural tastemakers. On Wednesday, 12 November, LITF x U.S. Embassy Night will be held at CG Residence, featuring short performances by the U.S. delegation and cocktails under the stars.
On Thursday, 13 November, Conversations & Culture at Terra Kulture will host a masterclass series featuring theatre luminaries Aubrey Sekhabi of the South African State Theatre, Valerie Green, Executive Director of Dance Entropy Inc. and Green Space, Professors Segun Ojewuyi and Jaemin Park of Southern Illinois University, and Bolanle Austen-Peters, Founder of LITF. Later that evening, the Director’s Night will take place at the British Consulate, bringing together visionary directors and creatives to celebrate artistic innovation and cross-cultural collaboration.
The Founder of the Lagos International Theatre Festival and Terra Kulture, Bolanle Austen-Peters, commented: “LITF is more than a celebration of the arts; it is a platform for creative exchange and cultural diplomacy. Each year, local and international artists come together to collaborate, perform and tell stories that resonate across borders.
“The festival embodies the ambition of a new creative era in Africa, anchoring Lagos as a global cultural hub. Through LITF and Terra Kulture, I am deeply committed to nurturing African talent, celebrating our stories, and ensuring our voices are heard on the world stage. This is how Nigeria’s rich heritage meets global imagination, and how the next generation of creatives will lead the future of the arts in Africa and beyond.”
The Opening Night Gala is scheduled for Friday, 14 November at the MUSON Centre, promising a red-carpet evening of artistry and elegance with performances from BAP Productions, award presentations, and appearances by leading figures in the arts and culture sectors. The festival will culminate in two full days of theatre on Saturday and Sunday, 15–16 November, featuring family-friendly performances, creative workshops, and over 20 vendors offering food, drinks, art, and crafts, concluding with a grand finale celebration.
The organisers said this year’s edition reaffirms Lagos’s reputation as Africa’s cultural capital and a global hub for artistic innovation, bringing together local and international talents to celebrate the power of performance and storytelling.
The Festival Director, Vanessa Jev, added, “This year’s festival celebrates the power of storytelling to connect people. LITF 2025 is where creativity, culture and community collide, a space where Lagos meets the world.
“The festival embodies the energy and ambition of a new generation of African creatives shaping the future of global theatre. It is a platform for dialogue, collaboration and discovery, showcasing how Nigerian talent continues to inspire audiences across the globe.”
