Vanessa Jev, Festival Director of the Lagos International Theatre Festival (LITF), has opened up about this year’s theme, the festival’s submissions, and its commitment to strengthening the global perception of African theatre through authentic storytelling.
Speaking with The Nollywood Reporter (TNR), Jev says one of the most exciting aspects of reviewing more than 80 submissions was discovering authentic stories shaped by diverse cultures, countries, and lived experiences.
As an international festival, LITF received entries from across Africa and beyond. According to Jev, it was inspiring to see artists from different parts of the world explore similar human experiences through distinct cultural perspectives.
“A recurring thread throughout many of the submissions was identity. Questions of who we are, where we belong, and the different versions of ourselves we present to the world,” she says.
Beyond identity, she explains that many of the plays explored themes of family, migration, community, perception, and the search for belonging. For her, these recurring ideas naturally aligned with this year’s festival theme, The Masks We Wear.
“The theme isn’t just about physical masks; it’s about the emotional, cultural, and social masks we all wear. Whether someone is navigating tradition and modernity, adapting to life in a new country, balancing personal identity with family expectations, or confronting how they’re perceived by others, those are all forms of masks,” she explains.
Despite the diversity of backgrounds represented, Jev believes the submissions demonstrated that while cultures differ, the emotions and experiences that shape people remain universal.
Discussing the festival’s selection process, Jev says LITF prioritises excellence in storytelling above all else. While celebrating African stories remains central to its mission, she stresses that the festival also welcomes exceptional productions from around the world.
“A production doesn’t have to be African in setting or subject matter to be part of the festival. It has to be authentic, artistically exceptional, and capable of connecting with audiences.”
She adds that although LITF has a deep appreciation for stories that celebrate the richness and diversity of African cultures, it ultimately seeks theatre that is honest, emotionally resonant, and representative of the best of live performance.
For Jev, LITF is helping reposition African theatre as an essential part of the global cultural conversation rather than a niche offering.
“For too long, African stories have often been viewed through a limited lens. The festival creates a platform where audiences experience the diversity, innovation, humour, complexity, and artistic excellence that exist across the continent.”
This year’s edition will welcome theatre companies and practitioners from across Africa, alongside participants from Canada, Brazil, and other international partners. Jev believes these collaborations not only strengthen artistic exchange but also offer global audiences a broader understanding of contemporary African storytelling beyond stereotypes.
Reflecting on her role, Jev says one of the greatest privileges of serving as festival director has been working alongside a dedicated team committed to the power of theatre.
She notes that building a festival of LITF’s scale is never the work of one person but depends on collaboration, trust, and a shared vision. She also credits the festival’s founder, Bolanle Austen-Peters, for shaping its identity.
“We’re also incredibly fortunate to have a founder like Bolanle Austen-Peters, whose contribution to African theatre has inspired so many of us.”
Jev says Austen-Peters’ commitment to visually ambitious productions rooted in compelling storytelling continues to influence the festival’s philosophy.
Looking ahead to the third edition, she says one of her biggest lessons as Festival Director has been learning to balance ambition with adaptability. Every edition brings new challenges, but they continue to reinforce the importance of planning, flexibility, and strong partnerships.
The third edition of the Lagos International Theatre Festival will take place on November 14 and 15, 2026, at the MUSON Centre.
