The 2026 Lagos International Theatre Festival will bring productions from four countries to Lagos in November, while giving emerging Nigerian performers and students space alongside established theatre practitioners.

According to information released by the festival organisers, the event will hold on November 14 and 15 at the MUSON Centre under the theme, “The Masks We Wear,” with participating productions from Nigeria, Kenya, Canada and Brazil.

The festival’s international lineup includes Under The Mango Tree by Canada’s Grand Theatre, directed by Lynette Randall, alongside productions from Kenya and Brazil. Nigerian works will come from Lagos, Abuja, Enugu and Abeokuta, including 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 programme will also place younger voices alongside established professionals, with students and young performers from Atlantic Hall, Evergreen College and Children International School scheduled to participate in the festival.

The organisers said the festival would extend beyond the two main performance days, beginning with Theatre Meets Food on November 9, an event to be hosted by chef and entrepreneur Hilda Baci and attended by members of the creative community, cultural leaders, artists and partners.

Embassy Nights will follow on November 10 and 11 as part of the cultural exchange programme, while Conversations and Culture on November 12 will feature masterclasses and discussions on areas including mental health and wellness, vocal performance, DJing and copyright. An Opening Night Gala is scheduled for November 13.

Festival founder Bolanle Austen-Peters said the theme was intended to encourage audiences to reflect on the different identities and roles people assume in their daily lives, while also broadening the conventional idea of where theatre can take place.

She said the festival’s message, “The Stage Is Everywhere,” reflects the belief that performance is not confined to traditional theatre buildings, with everyday spaces also capable of becoming stages.

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