Lagos Theatre Festival Returns to MUSON Centre

The Lagos International Theatre Festival (LITF) will return to the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos, on November 14 and 15, 2026, with an expanded programme featuring stage productions from Nigeria, Kenya, Canada and Brazil.

Now regarded as one of Lagos’ biggest annual cultural events, the festival is expected to attract more than 25,000 theatre lovers, artists and creative professionals across its activities, celebrating both Nigerian storytelling and international collaboration.

This year’s edition is themed “The Masks We Wear,” anchored by the creative statement “The Stage Is Everywhere.” According to the organisers, the theme explores the multiple identities people assume in everyday life while challenging audiences to see theatre beyond conventional performance spaces.

The international programme will feature productions from Kenya, Canada and Brazil, with Grand Theatre’s Under The Mango Tree, directed by Lynette Randall, serving as one of the festival’s major global attractions.

Nigeria’s line-up includes productions from Lagos, Abuja, Enugu and Abeokuta, among them 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 performances by students of Atlantic Hall, Evergreen College and Children International School, alongside professional and independent theatre companies.

Activities will begin before the main festival weekend with Theatre Meets Food on November 9, hosted by celebrity chef Hilda Baci, followed by Embassy Nights on November 10 and 11 to promote international cultural exchange. A day of masterclasses and industry conversations titled Conversations & Culture will hold on November 12, before the Opening Night Gala on November 13.

Founder Bolanle Austen-Peters said the 2026 edition is designed to remind audiences that theatre remains a powerful tool for reflection and social dialogue, regardless of where stories are told. Festival Director Vanessa Jev added that the diversity of voices from Africa and beyond would create meaningful opportunities for cultural exchange and artistic collaboration.