The Masks We Wear: Lagos International Theatre Festival Returns for a Week of Performance, Identity and Connection

The Lagos International Theatre Festival (LITF) has announced the return of its flagship celebration of theatre and performance, taking place from 9 to 15 November 2026, with its Main Festival Weekend on 14 – 15 November at the MUSON Centre, Lagos.
Founded by Bolanle Austen-Peters, LITF brings together artists, audiences and industry leaders from Nigeria, Africa and around the world.

The 2026 edition welcomes international productions from Kenya, Canada and Brazil, alongside a rich slate of Nigerian work from Lagos, Abuja, Enugu and Abeokuta, spanning established theatre makers, independent companies, emerging voices and school productions.
This year’s theme, “The Masks We Wear,” explores the identities and roles people navigate in everyday life, while the campaign statement, “The Stage Is Everywhere,” invites audiences to see performance as something that lives far beyond the traditional auditorium, woven instead into daily life, culture and public conversation.

“LITF continues to connect Nigerian theatre with artists, audiences and ideas from across Africa and the world,” said Festival Director Vanessa Jev. “This year’s programme reflects the diversity of Nigerian theatre while creating genuine cultural exchange with international voices.”

The festival week opens on Monday, 9 November, with Theatre Meets Food, an intimate evening hosted by Hilda Baci that connects food, theatre and Lagos’s creative community. On 10 and 11 November, Embassy Nights with the British and American embassies brings two evenings of international cultural exchange with diplomatic representatives and creative-industry leaders. The week builds toward the Opening Night Gala on Friday, 13 November, a high-visibility evening bringing together celebrities, artists and cultural leaders, before culminating in the Main Festival Weekend on 14 and 15 November, two full days of live theatre at MUSON Centre featuring Nigerian and international artists alongside emerging voices and young performers.

The programme includes Under The Mango Tree, from Canada, directed by Lennette Randall; Tristia: Blood Bird from Norway, tHERapy, directed by Tosin Adeyemi; African Stories, directed by Winihin Jemide. The festival also showcases school productions from Atlantic Hall, Evergreen College and Children International School, alongside additional productions from Kenya and Brazil still to be announced.
LITF 2026 is supported by the Lagos State Government, Afreximbank, Ledco, Wema Bank,Pillar Oil, Prime Atlantic and Amstel, alongside a growing network of international and cultural partners.
“Theatre has the power to hold up a mirror to who we are, and who we present ourselves to be,” said Founder Bolanle Austen-Peters. “This year, we’re inviting Lagos and the world to step onto a stage that is truly everywhere.”

Tickets, full programme details and venue information will be announced in the coming weeks. More information is available at www.lagosinternationaltheatrefestival.ng, and updates can be followed on Instagram, X, and Facebook at @officiallitfest