The Lagos Theater Festival LTF 2024, held on Saturday, March 2, brought together a diverse array of theatrical performances, captivating audiences and reinforcing the festival’s commitment to providing a platform for cultural exchange and bridging the artistic landscapes between Nigerian talents and their global counterparts.
The festival showcased the talent and creativity of local and international theatre artists with three plays, musicals, and poetry performances. From immersive conversations around the theatre to thought-provoking dramas, attendees were treated to a rich tapestry of storytelling that reflected the cultural vibrancy of the Lagos Theatre Festival.
The 2024 Showcase of the LTF highlighted the power of theatre to bridge gaps and foster understanding.
From captivating performances of Niall De Burca who is one of the top storytellers from Ireland, theatre lovers could not contain their excitement at the rich array of drama productions curated by Lydia Idakula, the artistic director. Each of the plays showcased, including Anatomy of a Woman by Nevana Productions, Tuti by Kininso Koncepts Productions, and Before I Let You Go by B/Rated, was overwhelmingly attended, eliciting different emotions from the audiences.
The Ambassador of Ireland to Nigeria, Mr Peter Ryan, also reaffirmed Culture Ireland’s commitment to more partnerships with the Lagos Theatre Festival.
Ms Tola Akerele, the new Director General of the National Theatre, commended the organisers of LTF and underscored the importance of allow arts and its practitioners to find expression through programs and productions especially new artists and producers who need a platform to showcase their intrinsic potentials. “It is important to allow programs like the Lagos Theatre Festival to be sustained because it is providing a platform for exchanging ideas and knowledge among theatre enthusiasts, professionals, and emerging talents.
Bikiya Graham-Douglas, the Executive Director, stated, “The Lagos Theatre Festival continues to be a beacon for the arts, fostering creativity and promoting cultural dialogue. We are thrilled with the overwhelming response from the artistic community and the public.”
The Lagos Theatre Festival 2024 underscored the resilience and adaptability of the arts in the face of challenges, demonstrating that creativity knows no bounds. Plans are underway for the next edition, a full-blown festival in 2025 committed to promoting theatre in unconventional spaces and easily situated into any given space.