The vibrant atmosphere of the Amphitheatre at Freedom Park in Lagos was filled with melodies, poetry and captivating performances as the Lagos Theatre Festival (LTF) kicked off its Showcase Soiree and Press Night from 6 pm on Thursday, February 29.
Attendees, who came from all walks of life, were treated to a plethora of artistic expressions, showcasing the rich tapestry of talent within Nigeria and beyond.
The evening commenced with the enchanting harmonies of Cold Vibes, a duo captivating the audience with their soulful voices. Joshua Akinola followed suit, mesmerising the crowd with Yoruba poetry, evoking a sense of cultural pride and admiration.
As the night unfolded, Uche Chika Elumelu, the MC for the event, emphasised the importance of embracing indigenous languages, particularly in the context of artistic expression. This sentiment was echoed by performers such as Shimmer Goddess, who graced the stage with a rendition of the national anthem, and Obii Ifejika, whose poetry delved into the trials of love.
Cold Vibes on stage Image terh AgbedehShimmer Goddess returned to the spotlight with her heartfelt ballad, “31,” sharing the personal journey behind its creation and captivating the audience with her soul-stirring vocals. The Irish ambassador to Nigeria, Peter Ryan, expressed his gratitude to the organisers and performers, highlighting the cultural exchange facilitated by events such as the LTF and saying how happy the Irish community is at being invited and that they are here to stay.
Niall De Búrca, the Irish storyteller, enraptured the audience with his compelling narratives, drawing admiration for Nigeria’s spirit and resilience. Femi Leye, accompanied by his guitar, delivered a soulful performance, celebrating the essence of manhood in “I be man” and the joy of life through his music as gleaned in “Biendu”.
The night culminated in a dynamic performance by the Association of Musical Theatre Artistes (AMTA), who brought their unique energy to life, leaving the audience uplifted and inspired.
In her closing remarks, the Executive Director of the festival, Bikiya Graham-Douglass, beaming with pride, declared the LTF officially underway, marking the beginning of a celebration of creativity, diversity and the enduring spirit of the arts in Nigeria.
Graham-Douglass echoed the Festival Director, Lydia Idakula’s sentiment, who could not make it but said through a representative that the LTF remains relentless in its vision to support artistes.
Indeed, the LTF has once again proven itself as a beacon of creativity and innovation, providing a platform for artists to thrive and audiences to be captivated.
On Saturday, March 2 at Freedom Park, Lagos, four productions—three from Nigeria and one from Ireland—with the aim to curate a holistic experience for both the audience and participants, leaving lasting impressions for all involved, graced the stage from 1 pm.
Productions include Before I Let You Go by B/Rated Productions, Creamy Body by Kininso Koncepts Productions, Anatomy of a Woman by Nevan Productions from Nigeria and Storyteller by Niall de Burca from Ireland.
Organised by the Lagos Theatre Festival Foundation, a non-profit organisation governed by a Board of Directors including Olasupo Shasore SAN (Chair), David Evans, Tosin Oshinowo and Bikiya Graham-Douglas as the Executive Director, LTF Showcase 2024 promises an exceptional cultural celebration. As attendees dispersed, the echoes of applause lingered in the air, a testament to the unforgettable showcase of cultural immersion and artistic brilliance.
