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| Image:Punchnews |
The 2026 Lagos International Theatre Festival has commenced with a star-studded opening ceremony attended by prominent figures in Nigeria's entertainment industry, government and creative sector.
The opening gala, held on Friday at the Shell Hall of the MUSON Centre in Lagos, featured musical performances, cultural displays, dance presentations and awards recognising contributions to the arts.
Among the notable personalities at the event were Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, veteran actress Joke Silva, Toyin Abraham, Patrick Doyle, Deyemi Okanlawon and William Benson.
Other guests included National Film and Video Censors Board Executive Director Shaibu Husseini, singer Darey Alade and comedian Alibaba Akpobome, who served as the evening's host.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the Award for Outstanding Support of the Arts and Creative Industry to Governor Sanwo-Olu. Actor Moshood Fattah, theatre practitioner Ben Tomoloju and Toke Benson were also recognised for their contributions.
Speaking at the event, festival founder Bolanle Austen-Peters reflected on her journey into theatre, explaining how support from individuals, organisations and international partners had helped her sustain her creative ambitions.
She acknowledged the contributions of the American and British diplomatic missions, as well as corporate organisations that had supported the festival.
Austen-Peters also highlighted the achievements of the Terra Academy for the Arts, an initiative supported by the Mastercard Foundation.
According to her, the academy has provided training opportunities for 67,000 young people through its various programmes.
The initiative equips young people with creative skills, including writing, script development and set design, helping them explore opportunities within the entertainment industry.
She encouraged theatre practitioners to remain committed to their craft, stressing that their work has the potential to transform lives and create opportunities for others.
The festival founder also drew attention to the importance of professionals working behind the scenes, including costume designers, lighting technicians, riggers, set designers and production crew members. She urged the industry to recognise their contributions to successful theatrical productions.
In his remarks, Sanwo-Olu praised Austen-Peters for her consistency and dedication to promoting theatre in Nigeria.
The governor assured stakeholders of the Lagos State Government's continued support for the creative sector, noting that investment in the arts, fashion, music and other creative fields could contribute to the country's development.
The opening ceremony also featured a presentation showcasing Zulu culture and traditions, adding an international dimension to the celebration.
The 2026 Lagos International Theatre Festival continues on November 14 and 15 at the MUSON Centre, with 20 productions scheduled to feature participants and creative works from Nigeria, Kenya, Canada and Brazil.
The festival, organised to celebrate theatrical expression and encourage collaboration, provides a platform for local and international artists to showcase their talents while promoting the growth of the creative industry.
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