In a lead-up to its festival, TheatreMania Africa marked World Theatre Day on March 27, emphasizing theatre as a tool for social change.
TheatreMania Africa highlights theatre’s role in addressing societal issues
BY Oluwatomiwa Ogunniyi
March 28, 2025
3:19 pm
TheatreMania Africa, in celebration of World Theatre Day on March 27, reaffirmed its commitment to using theatre as a medium for social awareness, conflict resolution, and societal development.
The event, themed “Theatre: A Culture of Peace in Search of Development,” brought together industry figures including Nollywood’s Rotimi Adelegan, director Paul Uwagbai, arts and media consultant Lydia Hagan, renowned author and poet AJ Dagga Tolar, and TheatreMania Africa founder Alayande Stephen. Discussions centered on theatre’s impact in addressing social issues and fostering peace.
Uwagbai highlighted theatre’s foundational role for actors, citing cultural icons like Herbert Ogunde, Duro Ladipo, and Ade Afolayan, who elevated Nigerian theatre to a global stage.
Looking ahead, TheatreMania Africa announced its 2025 Festival (TAF), set for October 14–17 at Shodex Gardens and Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, as a platform to support and unite theatre practitioners.
Additionally, in observance of World Malaria Day, Uwagbai will direct a stage play titled “Whispers,” under the theme “Malaria Ends with Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite,” premiering on April 21. Submissions for the festival are now open, closing on August 30.