The Lagos International Theatre Festival (LITF) is set to bring together theatre practitioners and performers from Nigeria, Kenya, Canada and Brazil for its 2026 edition, scheduled for November 14 and 15 at the MUSON Centre, Lagos.
The festival, which attracts more than 25,000 attendees across its programme days, will showcase diverse theatrical productions, cultural perspectives and artistic expressions from participating countries.
The 2026 edition, themed:Ā āThe Masks We Wearā and anchored by the statement āThe Stage Is Everywhere,ā will explore the different roles and identities people assume in everyday life while challenging conventional ideas about where theatre can take place.
An international highlight of the festival is Grand Theatreās Under The Mango Tree from Canada, directed by Lynette Randall. Productions from Kenya and Brazil will also feature alongside a diverse Nigerian programme.
The Nigerian line-up includes productions from Lagos, Abuja, Enugu and Abeokuta, featuring Monkey Laundry, directed by Olarotimi Fakunle; tHERapy, directed by Tosin Adeyemi; Men-Oh-Pause, directed by Elvina Ibru; and Behind Closed Doors, directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters.
The festival will also spotlight emerging theatre makers through productions from Atlantic Hall, Evergreen College and Children International School, alongside performances by professional and independent theatre practitioners.
Founder of LITF, Bolanle Austen-Peters, said the festival’s theme reflects the different roles people play in their everyday lives and how theatre provides an opportunity to examine those identities.
āThe Masks We Wear is a theme that speaks to all of us. We all play different roles in our lives, and theatre allows us to examine those roles, question them, and perhaps see ourselves differently. This year, we are also reminding audiences that theatre is not confined to a theatre building. The stage is everywhere,ā she said.
Festival Director, Vanessa Jev, said the diversity of voices at this year’s festival was particularly exciting, with Nigerian artists joining performers from Kenya, Canada and Brazil to create opportunities for audiences to experience different cultures and perspectives.
Beyond the main festival weekend, LITF 2026 will feature a series of events across Lagos, beginning with Theatre Meets Food on November 9.
Hosted by Hilda Baci, the event will bring together artists, partners, cultural leaders and members of Lagos’s creative community for an evening of food, theatre and conversation.
This will be followed by Embassy Nights on November 10 and 11, celebrating international cultural exchange among diplomatic representatives, artists and creative industry leaders.
On November 12, Conversations & Culture will feature masterclasses and discussions on 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 the MUSON Centre.
LITF 2026 is supported by the Lagos State Government, Lekoil, Pillar Oil, Afrexim and Amstel, alongside its growing network of international and cultural partners.
Founded by Austen-Peters, the Lagos International Theatre Festival celebrates theatre and performance while showcasing Nigerian creativity and fostering international collaboration, cultural exchange and artistic dialogue.
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