FirstBank has partnered with Bolanle Austen-Peters (BAP) and the Lagos State Government to nurture Nigeria’s arts and cultural development as well as empower the youths to explore opportunities within the creative sector at the inaugural Lagos International Theatre Festival.

The event, which will be held from November 15 to 17, 2024 at Muson Centre, TerraKulture, the National Theatre, and the JK Randle Centre, is dedicated to celebrating arts, creativity, and diversity with over 20,000 attendees from around the globe.

The three-day event will showcase a mix of productions, including adult and children’s theatre, skits, and storytelling, addressing both local and global themes reflective of the dynamic spirit of Lagos.

Notable productions such as The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives and Satchmo at The Waldorf will be among the highlights, while the festival will also host workshops, masterclasses, panel discussions, and a marketplace to foster growth, creativity, and connection within the entertainment industry.

Performances will unfold across four iconic venues, which are the Muson Centre, TerraKulture, the National Theatre, and the JK Randle Centre. The Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at FirstBank, Folake Ani-Mumuney, said the bank’s sponsorship reaffirms its commitment to supporting the creative and performing arts, solidifying its role as a key patron in Nigeria’s cultural landscape.

She said the festival aims to be a vibrant hub of artistic expression, bringing together performers, directors, writers, and theatre enthusiasts from various backgrounds.

She expressed enthusiasm about the initiative and the bank’s continued dedication to the arts and the creative value chain. She said the festival will serve as a prelude to FirstBank’s yearly “DecemberIssaVybe” campaign, which promotes the arts and entertainment industry throughout December.

The founder of BAP Productions, Bolanle Austen-Peters, emphasised the importance of the creative industry in nation-building. According to her, the creative industry is at the heart of every thriving nation, adding that while Nigeria is rich in imaginative creativity and talent, stakeholders must provide platforms for creative people to explore and share their stories with the world.