In a momentous press conference held on Tuesday, November 5th, at the Governor’s House in Marina, Lagos, renowned theatre producer and director Bolanle Austen-Peters announced the launch of the Lagos International Theatre Festival, scheduled for November 14th-17th, 2024.
Under the theme “Culture Unmasked,” the festival will unite performers from across the globe in a celebration of theatrical excellence. The four-day event will unfold across four strategic locations in Lagos, bringing world-class performances to different parts of the city.
Austen-Peters, founder of Terra Kulture, revealed that her decision to create the festival stemmed from her extensive 22-year experience in the industry and her commitment to nurturing theatrical talent in Nigeria. “I didn’t want to do this festival,” she admitted, “but I recognized that as a front-liner with Terra Kulture 22 years later, creating jobs, creating opportunities with an academy that has trained over 24,000 young people today, I had no choice but to do it.”
Supported by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the festival aims to position Lagos as a global theatrical hub. “We will make this the best theatre location in West Africa, in Africa, and the world,” Austen-Peters declared, emphasizing the transformative power of theatre in society.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, who hosted the press conference, demonstrated his administration’s commitment to the project, highlighting how it aligns perfectly with the state’s economic master plan.
This initiative is a crucial part of Lagos’s broader strategy to establish itself as a cultural and creative powerhouse, with entertainment and tourism as key drivers of economic growth.
Terra Kulture’s track record of excellence—having trained over 24,000 young talents and created countless employment opportunities in the creative sector—provides a strong foundation for this new venture. The academy’s success in nurturing local talent while maintaining international standards has paved the way for this ambitious festival.
