In a Press statement made available to our correspondent in Lagos this evening and signed by Mr. Adewusi Samuel Adedayo, TheatreMania Africa Festival (TAF) Media Manager, announcement of the event;s dates and venues were made public.
All seems set for the much talked about TheatreMania Africa Festival (TAF), as the organisers are thrilled to announce the highly anticipated 2025 edition, set to transform Lagos into a vibrant hub of theatrical excellence from October 14th to 17th, 2025. Under the captivating theme, “Beyond Borders: Celebrating the Global Reach of African Theatre,” this year’s festival promises an unparalleled exploration of African dramatic arts and their profound impact on the international stage. The festival will be taking place at Shodex Gardens, Ilupeju Bypass, Anthony, Lagos and Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria respectively.
TheatreMania Africa Festival (TAF) has consistently championed the rich and diverse narratives emanating from the African continent. This year, we delve deeper into the global tapestry of African theatre, showcasing how its stories, techniques, and performers transcend geographical boundaries, captivating audiences and influencing artistic expressions worldwide. Lagos, a pulsating cultural heartbeat of Africa, provides the perfect backdrop for this grand celebration, inviting theatre enthusiasts, practitioners, and cultural connoisseurs from across the globe to witness a truly transformative experience.
According to Alayande Stephen T., the Chief Executive Officer (CEO)/Co-Founder of TheatreMania Africa, he said “The ‘Beyond Borders’ theme is more than just a tagline; it’s a testament to the undeniable influence and expanding footprint of African theatre globally. We believe that African stories, told through the captivating medium of theatre, hold universal appeal and possess the power to connect, inspire, and provoke dialogue across cultures. This festival is an invitation to witness that power firsthand, to celebrate our shared humanity through the lens of African artistry, and to foster new collaborations that will further elevate our narratives on the world stage”, he proudly submitted.
TheatreMania Africa Festival (TAF) is the first all-encompassing All Africa Theatre Festival & Awards, evolving from the African root aimed at re-writing the African story to the world in a positive way using drama, dance, chants, songs, poems as creative instruments to convey the messages. It is also a reward system meant to appreciate African stage actors/acts and other stakeholders in the Theatrical Space and the Entertainment Industry, indeed, a platform to show case the best of African Theatre on the street and on different stages. It is a festival with pot-pouri of activities from Stakeholders Roundtable, Street Theatres, Arts/Brand Exhibition, Free Medical Test, Generation Next Theatre, Theatre + Fashion Initiative tagged (The Metallic), #Theatre4PeaceAfrica, #Aram Advocacy, Command Performances, A Walk For Peace, Gala And Award Nite etc.
The four-day festival will be a dynamic potpourri of activities designed to engage, educate, and entertain. Attendees can anticipate a robust programme featuring:
* Thespian Nite: An evening dedicated to stellar performances from both established and emerging talents, highlighting the diverse acting styles and storytelling traditions of Africa.
* Street Theatre: This is an open display of the best of theatre production from different countries across Africa, bringing theatre directly to the heart of the community and to the participants, fostering accessibility and engaging new audiences with impromptu and powerful performances in public spaces.
* Generation Next Theatre for Secondary Schools: A vital initiative aimed at nurturing the next generation of African theatre practitioners and enthusiasts, offering workshops, mentorship, and a platform for young voices. The shortlisted schools with the best shows will present during the Award Nite.
* Stakeholders Roundtable: A crucial forum for industry leaders, actors, stakeholders, policymakers, theatre students, and academics to discuss the future of African theatre, explore collaboration opportunities, and address challenges facing the sector.
* Africa Rise Against Malaria (ARAM) Advocacy: The ARAM campaign started in 2018 and it will come to fore again in TAF 2025. It is an initiative to leverage on the power of theatre to raise awareness and drive action against malaria, a significant health challenge in Africa. This advocacy segment underscores TAF’s commitment to social impact.
* Theatre + Fashion (The METALLIC): A unique fusion of two powerful art forms, exploring the synergy between theatrical expression and contemporary African fashion. This innovative segment promises a visually stunning and thought-provoking showcase.
* Command Performance: A headline production featuring a critically acclaimed play that embodies the festival’s theme and showcases the pinnacle of African theatrical artistry. Two plays titled (Grain In the Wind and Whispers) will be on display specially during the awards nite.
* Awards Nite: The grand finale, where the highly anticipated 2025 TAF Awards will recognize and celebrate outstanding achievements in African theatre across various categories, honouring the talents that are pushing the boundaries of the art form. The awards jury, led by veteran Nigerian actor Norbert Young, promises a transparent and credible adjudication process.
TheatreMania Africa Festival 2025 is not just an event; it is a movement aimed at solidifying African theatre’s position as a vital force in the global artistic landscape. We invite media, partners, sponsors and the general public to join us in this momentous celebration of creativity, culture, and connection.
For more details, contact us on www.theatremaniaafrica.com
About TheatreMania Africa Festival (TAF):
TheatreMania Africa Festival (TAF) is a premier annual celebration of African dramatic arts, dedicated to promoting, developing, and showcasing the rich theatrical heritage of the continent. Through a diverse range of performances, workshops, and discussions, TAF aims to foster cultural exchange, empower artists, and position African theatre as a significant contributor to the global arts scene. TAF is committed to using theatre as a tool for social development and community engagement.
Event Details at a Glance:
* Event: TheatreMania Africa Festival 2025
* Theme: Beyond Borders: Celebrating the Global Reach of African Theatre
* Dates: October 14 – 17, 2025
* Locations: Shodex Gardens, Ilupeju and Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria
* Awards Nite: October 17, 2025 (Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja)
* Call for Entries (TAF Awards): Open until August 30, 2025. Visit www.theatremaniaafrica.com/awards for submission details.
