Lagos Theatre Festival, an ambitious display of site theatre

Lagos Theatre Festival, an ambitious display of site theatre

By Prisca Sam-Duru

Features of the 2016 Lagos Theatre Festival especially with regard to spell-binding theatrical performances, were eloquent indication of how the event has grown bigger, bolder and better. Art enthusiasts, Caucasians, sponsors and those in the creative industry were among individuals in attendance at the grand opening of the biggest performing arts festival which ended at Freedom Park, Lagos on Sunday. It was the 3rd edition of the theatre fiesta and in all ramification, the festival was an extravaganza of exciting music, dance, spoken word, musical and stage plays.

The Lagos Theatre Festival 2016 is part of the UK/Nigeria 2015–16, a major season of arts in Nigeria geared towards building new audiences, creating new collaborations as well as strengthening the already existing relationship between the United Kingdom and Nigeria.

The festival featured over 60 performances from the stables of the finest of local and international production houses such as Bani Productions, Comic Republic, Creative Arts Collection UNILAG, Make it happen Productions, Thespian Family Theatre, Troopers Arts, Women in Arts and many more including 4 International productions from the UK!. Events were held at over 15 venues 

including Freedom Park, Muson Centre, Terra Kulture, University of Lagos, Bogobiri, etc, throughout the duration of the festival. There were also special workshops for actors, creative writing, directors and producers.

The week-long theatre festival which began on Tuesday 23, ended Sunday 28 February, attracted Nigeria’s most celebrated actors, writers, directors, producers, singers with a host of arts, culture and theatre enthusiasts. Also in attendance were their British counterparts.

At the opening ceremony, guests were treated to good music by popular artiste, Isaac Geralds which was followed by a play titled, Every Single Day produced by Kemi 'Lala' Akindoju for Make it Happen Productions. Every Single Day was staged behind the iGrove radio, Freedom Park Lagos. The play featured Linda Ejiofor as Linda, Patrick Diabuah (Pastor), Martin Iwuagwu (Landlord's son), Rita Edward (Mother), Rotimi Oluwo (Barman), Ife Salako as Land lord, Paul was the police officer while Funmi Ajibade acted as Area girl. It tells the story of Linda, a mature single lady who has diverse dehumanising experiences to contend with in her daily life. The play echoes the negative impression the society has on mature single women who are most often, treated with disrespect.
Guests present at the opening include the Lagos Commissioner for Arts and Culture, Mr. Folarin Coker, Yeni Kuti, Wana Udobang, David Evans, Bikiye Graham - Douglas, Artistic Director, Lagos Theatre Festival, Kenneth Uphopho and many more.
In her opening remarks, the Country Director, British Council Nigeria, Connie Price said “The programme of performances produced by Nigerian and British theatre makers, is part of UK/Nigeria 2015-16, a major season of arts aimed at building new audiences, creating new collaborations and strengthening relationships. Programmed in association with a host of partners, the festival features more than 30 projects and more than 80 events in art, fashion, design, theatre, dance, music, literature and film throughout Nigeria and includes showcases of Nigerian arts and creative industries in the UK. Partnerships between Nigeria and British artists, institutions and organisations are at the heart of the season.”

A major focus of UK/Nigeria 2015-16 Price further stated, “Is on creating access to art, new digital work, art in public spaces and working with young people.”

The Lagos State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism Mr Folorunsho Folarin-Coker said “Lagos State is proud to host this festival, the largest out door festival in Nigeria and I dare say, West Africa. The festival presents opportunity to showcase talents and creativity and heritage of our great city and in line with our administration's resolve to create a year round programme of arts, culture, entertainment and tourists attracting events across the length and breadth of the state. I’m pleased to say that from four productions in 2013 the festival has grown to 40 productions and about 100 shows. In the subsequent years, we would like to see even more expansion from Agege to Epe, to Badagry and Ikorodu and we would find ways to work with the British Council to see how we can achieve this expansion.”