Lagos International Theatre Festival (LITF) 2025 closed its week-long activities with outcomes that strengthened its position in Africa’s cultural space. The festival presented theatre as a form of storytelling and cultural connection that continues to draw interest across the creative community.
Across several venues, including MUSON Centre, the festival hosted more than 20 stage productions, workshops, masterclasses and cultural exchanges. The programme linked theatre with food, music, celebrity participation and audience-focused experiences.
A defining moment of the festival took place during the Gala Night at the MUSON Centre – Gala Hall. The Executive Governor of Lagos State made a special appearance, signalling government interest in the development of the creative sector. His presence influenced conversations on the direction of arts support and the role of public institutions in theatre growth.
A wide group of celebrities and entertainment figures attended various events. Their presence increased visibility for theatre and placed the festival within national discussions on cultural activity.
The opening event at Kaly Restaurant, themed “Theatre Meets Food”, marked the start of the programme, followed by daily shows across La Scala, Shell Hall, Agip Hall, Oriki Garden and Itan Garden within the MUSON Centre – Venues. Audiences engaged with performances that explored themes across different subjects and experiences.
Festival Founder Bolanle Austen-Peters stated that “LITF 2025 exceeded expectations. The turnout was unbelievable, the performances were powerful, and the energy was unmatched. This year, we didn’t just host a festival. We disrupted the entertainment space and reminded the world that theatre remains a strong force in African storytelling.”
Festival Director Vanessa Jev described the week as a developing movement. She noted that the collaboration among artists, audiences and supporters set a model for future editions.
The programme included works such as My Boyfriend Calls Me Ma, Dear Kaffy, Eve’s Rapture, Before I Let You Go, 99 Percent Virgin, Ankara Committee, Baby Shower, Efunsetan Aniwura, My Children! My Africa!, Almasihu, The Wait, SOCA, High Octave, SEKI, OLE, Nyso and the Egg, Echoes of Yesterday, Home and Stories of Us. Each production presented its own message and creative structure.
Workshops and masterclasses created settings for knowledge exchange among new and established practitioners. Participants engaged in learning sessions focused on skills, collaboration and cultural understanding.
As the festival concluded, LITF reinforced the position of Lagos as a centre for creative activity. The event showed how theatre continues to evolve, influence public dialogue and contribute to the wider entertainment ecosystem.
