Lagos Theatre Festival ‘among top 20 in the world’

The Lagos Theatre Festival, set to hold its fifth edition, is among the top 20 of its kind across the world.

Ojoma Ochai, British Council’s head of arts in West Africa, made this known ahead of the 2018 Lagos Theatre Festival.

“It is quite commendable that in the 5th year of the festival, we get accorded this recognition as one of the top 20 theatre festivals across the world,” Ochai said.

“Lagos Theatre Festival was listed alongside other festivals such as Edinburgh Fringe, Galway International Arts Festival and London International Festival of Theatre amongst some others. This is good news for us.”

The festival will feature 100 shows between February 27 and March 4.

According to a statement by the organisers, there will be shows at Freedom Park and other “unconventional spaces” across Lagos.

“Focus for this year is on theatre in unconventional spaces, innovative interpretations of new ideas that will inspire and challenge audiences, and promoting new works that will spark conversations and debates,” the statement read.

“The curated strand of the festival will feature 6 productions with over 20 shows throughout the festival. The other aspect of the festival, the fringe strand, has over 35 production programmed to present over 80 shows to theatre audiences in Lagos.

“The capacity development thrust of the festival will deliver workshops and trainings in acting, script development and some other theatre related subject matter throughout the festival.”

Kenneth Uphopho, festival director, said the productions were selected to offer the audience a variety.

“This year’s festival has been programmed to ensure there is something that appeals to every segment of the society – drama, spoken word, music, workshops, variety shows, visual arts and so many more. We offer a slice of every bit that you wish to experience.”