The Lagos International Theatre Festival (LITF) returns for its 2026 edition on November 14 – 15 at the MUSON Centre, Lagos, bringing together an exciting programme of theatre from Nigeria and around the world. The festival, which attracts more than 25,000 attendees across its programme days, has become one of the most anticipated events on Lagos’s cultural calendar.
This year’s festival is themed “The Masks We Wear”, anchored by the statement “The Stage Is Everywhere.” The theme explores the different roles and identities people assume in everyday life, while inviting audiences to consider how theatre extends beyond the traditional stage.
LITF 2026 brings an international dimension to Lagos, featuring artists and productions from Kenya, Canada and Brazil alongside a diverse Nigerian programme. An international highlight is Grand Theatre’s Under The Mango Tree from Canada, directed by Lynette Randall, with productions from Kenya and Brazil adding further cultural and theatrical perspectives.
The Nigerian programme features productions 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 festival will also spotlight emerging theatre makers through productions from Atlantic Hall, Evergreen College and Children International School, alongside professional and independent productions.
The festival experience begins ahead of the main weekend with a series of events across Lagos. On November 9, Theatre Meets Food, hosted by Hilda Baci, will bring together artists, partners, cultural leaders and members of Lagos’s creative community for an evening of food, theatre and conversation. This will be followed by Embassy Nights on November 10 and 11, celebrating international cultural exchange among diplomatic representatives, artists and creative industry leaders.
November 12 will feature Conversations & Culture, a day of masterclasses and discussions covering mental health and wellness, vocal performance, DJing, copyright and other issues shaping the creative industries. The programme culminates in an Opening Night Gala on November 13, ahead of the main festival weekend at MUSON Centre on November 14 and 15.
LITF 2026 is supported by the Lagos State Government, Lekoil, Pillar Oil, Afrexim and Amstel, alongside its growing network of international and cultural partners.
Founder of LITF, Bolanle Austen-Peters, said: “The Masks We Wear is a theme that speaks to all of us. We all play different roles in our lives, and theatre allows us to examine those roles, question them, and perhaps see ourselves differently. This year, we are also reminding audiences that theatre is not confined to a theatre building. The stage is everywhere.”
Festival Director, Vanessa Jev, said the diversity of voices at this year’s festival was particularly exciting, with Nigerian artists joining performers from Kenya, Canada and Brazil to create opportunities for audiences to experience different cultures and perspectives.
Founded by Bolanle Austen-Peters, LITF celebrates theatre and performance while showcasing Nigerian creativity and fostering international collaboration, cultural exchange and artistic dialogue.