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The stage performance depicting Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, Metsi (Water), an international play from South Africa and Dear Kaffy, a stage play performed by veteran Nollywood actor, Prince Jide Kosoko and actress Uzo Osimkpa introduced dignitaries to the richness of African culture worth celebrating and promoting at this year’s Lagos International Theatre Festival.
Through the language of drama, songs, and spoken words, the maiden edition of the festival brought together movers and shakers, investors, and practitioners in the entertainment industry.
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The festival, an initiative of founder, Terra Kulture, Bolanle Austen-Peters and sponsored by First Bank of Nigeria (FBN) showcased Nigeria’s culture and creativity through diverse performances, production and artistic expression, highlighting the country’s cultural heritage and creative resume.
The opening hosted by ace comedian Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome, popularly known as Ali Baba, unveiled the myriad stories that define “who we are as individuals and communities.”
Attendees experienced performances that challenged their perspective, exhibitions that immersed them in the past and future, and discussions that ignited the spark of innovation and dialogue.
With the theme, Culture Unmasked, the Lagos International Theatre Festival truly unmasked the beauty of culture.
Bolanle Austen-Peters said the festival was developed not only to promote cultures but to make all the skill sets in the art sector come together as a community to create a wider ecosystem for the arts industry to thrive.
“We are excited that we are bringing the theatre community together in Nigeria. I’m honoured to be doing this.
“Theatre is coming back. There are lots of theatre companies that are represented, so, more infrastructural facilities are needed.”
Speaking on the decision for the festival, she said: “For a long time, I didn’t want to do this but being in the frontline, I realised the need to get everybody together. This will be done yearly. Through this, jobs are created, skills are transferred.”
Also speaking, Nigerian veteran actor, Francis Onwochei, said: “What is happening now is a strategic merger of things happening simultaneously; stage performances and television production are going on all over the place.”
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