Lagos transformed into a hub of creativity from November 10th to 16th as the Lagos International Theatre Festival 2025 brought African stories to life with energy, emotion, and global flair. Under the theme ‘Reimagining African Narratives’ and the tagline ‘Unmasking Culture’, the festival invited actors, directors, playwrights, cultural leaders, and audiences to experience theatre that is both bold and deeply expressive.
This year’s LITF reminded audiences that theatre remains one of Nigeria’s strongest cultural signatures. Performances took place across key venues, including Terra Kulture and MUSON Centre, allowing diverse audiences to engage with the festival in accessible, iconic spaces. From historical retellings and musicals to experimental comedy and spoken word, the festival showcased Africa’s breadth of storytelling while positioning Lagos as a hub of theatrical excellence.
Experience Lagos International Theatre Festival 2025 with Nollywood stars, international performances, and vibrant African storytelling that captivated audiences.
The Must-See Performances of LITF 2025
Instead of a single style, the festival presented a diverse gallery of storytelling forms, each production celebrating African creativity in its own unique way.
My Boyfriend Calls Me Ma
Directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters, this play starred Laycon, with a performance that balanced humour and heartfelt emotion. It explored love, identity, and vulnerability with freshness and charm, leaving audiences both laughing and reflecting.
Efunsetan Aniwura
A historical drama, this play examines the life of the formidable Iyalode of Ibadan. With themes of power, tragedy, and womanhood, it transported viewers to 19th-century politics and cultural life, delivering a powerful theatrical experience.
Almasihu
One of the festival’s most talked-about plays, Almasihu imagined Jesus in a multicultural Nigerian family. Satire, improvisation, and sharp humour explored themes of tribe, identity, and societal expectations, sparking conversations long after the curtain fell.
Nyso and the Egg
A folkloric tale about two boys seeking divine guidance to save their village, the performance blended music, movement, and symbolism, immersing audiences in Niger Delta cultural storytelling.
Seki
This musical cultural performance celebrated drums, dance, and traditional costumes. Its immersive approach quickly made it a highlight of the festival.
Spilt
Directed by James Abinibi and starring Kunle Remi, Split examined silence, personal truth, and emotional tension. The intimate storytelling and visual detail made it one of the week’s most critically praised performances.
My Children, My Africa
Presented by the South African State Theatre, this production explored education, youth, and political struggle during apartheid. It was intense, thought-provoking, and beautifully staged.
Eve’s Rapture
Eve’s Rapture, a playful action comedy from the United States, reinterpreted Eve’s biblical story with humour, energy, and cross-cultural flair.
Dear Kaffy 2025
Another Bolanle Austen-Peters creation, this dance-focused performance celebrated discipline, creativity, and resilience, capturing the journey of a performer with movement and storytelling.
Nollywood Icons and VIPs at the Festival
Appearances from major celebrities elevated the festival’s social moments. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu attended, signalling Lagos State’s continued support for the arts.
Bolanle Austen-Peters, the highly respected director and producer behind several standout festival productions, was also present, reinforcing her influence and prestige in Nigeria’s creative industry.
Veteran actor Jide Kosoko represented Nigeria’s theatre heritage, while Omowunmi Dada engaged with multiple productions, showcasing her appreciation for stage storytelling.
Broda Shaggi brought humour and energy to the festival, engaging with fans and performers alike. Kunle Remi, who received widespread praise for her performance in Spilt, participated in the festival as both an actor and a supporter of its mission.
These appearances underscored LITF 2025’s importance in connecting Nigerian theatre, Nollywood, and cultural life while amplifying its visibility locally and internationally.
Why LITF 2025 Captivated Audiences
At the heart of the festival was a commitment to storytelling with intention. Reimagining African Narratives shaped every play, panel discussion, and conversation, emphasising identity, memory, and cultural richness.
LITF 2025 reminded audiences that theatre is more than performance; it is a lens for understanding culture. It amplified indigenous voices, encouraged experimentation, and positioned Lagos as a thriving hub for African artistic excellence.
The festival also highlighted global collaboration, with international productions like My Children, My Africa and Eve’s Rapture expanding perspectives while remaining deeply relevant to African audiences.
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The Cultural Lifestyle Impact
LITF 2025 strengthened Lagos’ reputation as one of Africa’s most vibrant theatre cities. It fostered collaboration between Nigerian performers and international companies, provided a platform for emerging talent, and invited younger audiences into the world of stage performance.
By blending cultural heritage with contemporary artistry, the festival sparked renewed interest in Nigerian theatre, positioning it as a lifestyle and cultural experience, rather than just an academic or entertainment event.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Lagos International Theatre Festival?
It is an annual cultural event showcasing plays and performances from Nigeria and around the world.
- What was the theme of LITF 2025?
The theme was Reimagining African Narratives with the tagline Unmasking Culture.
- Which Nollywood stars attended the festival?
Attendees included Jide Kosoko, Omowunmi Dada, Broda Shaggi, and Kunle Remi.
- Were there international performances this year?
Yes, including My Children, My Africa from South Africa and Eve’s Rapture from the United States.
- How long did the festival run?
LITF 2025 took place from November 10th to 16th.
