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 Moji, 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 honour a movie veteran, calling Mr. Rick Swart of the U.S. Consulate to join him. Mr. Rick accepted and 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.

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