Opening night at the Lagos International Theatre Festival (LITF) was everything theatre lovers dream of; colour, rhythm, laughter, and a kind of electricity that made every moment feel important. From the confident hosts to the powerhouse performances and heartfelt awards, the night didn’t just open a festival — it set the tone for something memorable.

The evening kicked off with a warm, commanding opening from Mojibade, whose speech felt like an invitation to lean in. The crowd responded in kind. Nancy Isime (the second host) took the stage next, shining a spotlight on festival founder Bolanle Austen-Peters (BAP) before ushering TAFTA students forward for their moment. What followed was a performance that stopped the room: TAFTA’s students delivered a breath-taking piece, razor-sharp, emotionally honest, and full of promise. A musical number from a TAFTA alumnus wrapped their set and left the audience clapping long after the last note faded.

Hosts & Keynotes

One of the night’s standout moments was Dr. John Momoh of Channels TV delivering the keynote. He captured a truth many in the room felt: ‘the boundary of theatre and film are becoming more fluid than ever’. His call for the audience to soak up every performance felt less like instruction and more like permission — permission to be moved, to laugh loud, to think hard.

Festival director Vanessa Jev followed with a clear-eyed highlight of what to expect across the weekend — the shows to watch, the moments not to miss, and key happenings that promise to keep the energy high. Short video messages from international stage actors added a global whisper to the local roar, reminding everyone that Lagos is part of a larger creative conversation.

The energy spiked when Nancy wandered into the middle of the hall to perform a playful Broadway-style game of introduction. She passed the mic to the crowd and transformed the room into a chorus — and then, delightfully, the governor of Lagos Babajide Sanwo-Olu joined the fun. Seeing a high-profile guest sing along and dance a few steps made the night feel inclusive and playful in a way awards ceremonies rarely are.

Dance and music threaded through the event like a second heartbeat. A group of dancers blasted onto the stage with a rousing tribute to The Greatest Showman — bold, athletic, and gloriously theatrical. Later, Bunmi and Michael returned the crowd to silence with a stunning, intimate dance performance that reminded everyone why live movement is such a potent storyteller.

Awards & Highlights

Awards were given with gratitude and history. Former governor of Cross River Donald Duke came on stage to present an award to the U.S. Consulate, calling Mr. Rick Swart of the U.S. Consulate to join him. Mr. Rick who was honoured offered a short, sincere speech of thanks. The U.S. Consulate then presented Dr. John Momoh with an Award of Excellence in Arts and Advancement — a recognition that coined the night’s spirit of cross-border appreciation.

The international flavour continued when South African actors brought My Children! My Africa! to life in a spoken-word and poetic debate that fused history with contemporary urgency. The American team for Home delivered a striking poetry-drama that held the room in rapt attention. These global pieces didn’t dilute the night’s local heart; they amplified it, proving Lagos is eager to both host and learn from the world.

Several legacy and trailblazer awards punctuated the evening: Jahman Anikulapo presented Jide Kosoko with a legacy award, dedicated to Hubert Ogunde’s enduring influence; Joke Silva presented Chief Mrs. Ibidun Allison with a similar honour. Efe Irele and Mike Afolarin presented the Theatre Trailblazer award to Patrick Diabuah, while Omowunmi Dada presented the same honour to Uche Chika Elumelu. Each award felt like a stitch in a larger tapestry — a recognition that theatre’s past and future are inseparable.

BAP’s own production, My Boyfriend Calls Me Ma, followed and reminded the audience why she’s such a central figure in Nigerian theatre: the play was sharp, smart, and unafraid to be both funny and tender. Afterward, BAP gathered theatre people on stage for a collective bow — a communal thank-you to guests and artists alike.

To close the night, the production Oba Nimi, inspired by the story of Moremi, offered a powerful, ceremonial end. Its blend of myth and modernity left the room quiet in the best possible way: contemplative and full of applause.

What This Means for Nigerian Theatre

If opening night is anything to go by, this edition of LITF is shaping up to be exceptional — full of rising stars, veteran voices, international exchange, and moments that make you remember why live theatre matters. Don’t miss the rest of the festival: the storytelling here is loud, generous, and absolutely alive. Check the festival schedule and make time to be part of it — this is Lagos at its most theatrical.