"Lagos International Theatre Festival Returns to MUSON Centre This November"
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The Lagos International Theatre Festival (LITF) will hold its 2026 edition from November 14 to 15 at the MUSON Centre, Lagos, featuring theatre productions and artists from Nigeria, Kenya, Canada and Brazil.
The festival, which draws over 25,000 attendees across its programme days, is themed "The Masks We Wear," with the accompanying statement "The Stage Is Everywhere."
According to the organisers, the theme explores the different roles and identities people assume in their everyday lives, while encouraging audiences to view theatre as an art form that extends beyond the conventional stage.
The international lineup includes Grand Theatre's Under The Mango Tree from Canada, directed by Lynette Randall, alongside productions from Kenya and Brazil. Nigerian productions from Lagos, Abuja, Enugu and Abeokuta will also be showcased.
Nigerian productions on the schedule include 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.
LITF will also spotlight emerging theatre makers, with productions from Atlantic Hall, Evergreen College and Children International School featured alongside professional and independent productions.
Pre-festival activities begin on November 9 with Theatre Meets Food, hosted by Hilda Baci, bringing together artists, partners, cultural leaders and members of Lagos' creative community for an evening of food, theatre and conversation.
This will be followed by Embassy Nights on November 10 and 11, celebrating cultural exchange among diplomatic representatives, artists and creative industry leaders.
On November 12, Conversations & Culture will feature masterclasses and discussions on topics including mental health and wellness, vocal performance, DJing and copyright, among other issues affecting the creative industries.
The pre-festival programme will conclude with an Opening Night Gala on November 13, ahead of the main festival on November 14 and 15 at the MUSON Centre.
Founder of LITF, Bolanle Austen-Peters, said the theme reflects the various roles people play in their daily lives.
"'The 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," she said.
She added that the festival would also reinforce the idea that theatre is not confined to conventional theatre buildings.
"The stage is everywhere," she said.
Festival Director Vanessa Jev said the range of voices participating in this year's festival would offer audiences the opportunity to experience different cultures and perspectives, with Nigerian artists joining performers from Kenya, Canada and Brazil.
LITF 2026 is supported by the Lagos State Government, Lekoil, Pillar Oil, Afrexim and Amstel, alongside a growing network of international and cultural partners.
Founded by Austen-Peters, the Lagos International Theatre Festival celebrates theatre and performance while promoting Nigerian creativity, international collaboration, cultural exchange and artistic dialogue.
