Ahead of the second edition of TheatreMania Africa Festival (TAF) 2025, veteran Nollywood actor, Dr Akin Lewis has opined that African stories told through theatre can provoke dialogue across cultures.
According to Lewis, who is also the Chairman, Board of Trustee (BOT), TheatreMania Africa Festival (TAF), “with the theme for the 2025 edition of the festival, 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 emphasizes the belief in the universal relevance and emotional power of African theatrical narratives. We are proud to be part of the TAF 2025 initiative that is bringing conversations, performances and recognition to the Industry.”
The 2025 edition is scheduled to be held between Tuesday, December 9, 2025 and Wednesday December 10, 2025 at Shodex Gardens, Ilupeju, and Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria with the theme ‘Beyond Borders: Celebrating the Global Reach of African Theatre.’
Activities towards a successful festival are gathering momentum across Africa with numerous speakers and panelists scheduled to speak during the event.
Participants are to join thought leaders, erudite speakers, changemakers and industry stakeholders from across the Creative/theatre/arts value chain at TAF 2025.
Confirmed speakers and guests expected includes but not limited to Mrs. Taiwo Ajai-Lycett (OON), Ebo Whyte (Founder, Roverman Productions, Ghana), Mr. Soro Badrissa (Puppeteer and Founding Artistic Director of the Compagnie Ivoire Marionnettes), the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire), Marc Berbant (Director, Alliance Francaise), Dr. Akin Lewis, Norbert Young, Francis Onwochei, Adeniran Makinde (NANTAP President), Dr. Titilayo Adebayo (Lecturer, Creatives Arts, UNILAG), Kingsley Omoefe (Nollywood Director), Lydia Gifty Hagan (Ghana), Aishat Mamela Rafamhelea (South Africa), Paul Uwagbai, Segun Adefila (Crown Troupe of Afrika), Ben Chidiaka, Titilayo Aboyade-Cole, Zani Chiumia Challe (Malawi), Claude Mwamba (GM,
Transperfect Nigeria), Ehi Omokhuale, Oluwanishola Oladele Adenuga (Founder, Live Theatre, Lagos), Jacinta MacJob (Script Writer), Helen Sosu-Ezirim (Founder, TSUP), Julius Olaoluwa Oyekanmi (MD, QUIDBOT By Finnova), AJ Dagga Tolar, Olubanke Adeleke CEO, Dressrite Kiddies).
Other guests include Lagos lawmaker, Hon.Ogundipe Stephen Olukayode, Mr. Olayiwola Awakan,DG Nigeria Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Hon. Muyiwa Jimoh, Otunba Olu Adenodi, Mr. Olusola Adekoya ( MD, Shodex Gardens), Dr. D.F Salau (Chairman, UIAA, Lagos Branch), Prof. Akin Abayomi (Commissioner for Health, Lagos State), HRM Oba Salibu Hakeem Agbaosi (Alaguda Aguda), Oba Suleiman Owolabi (Ogun-Oloko, Ade Ori Okin I, Oniwaya of Iwaya) etc.
TAF 2025 will herald activities such as Street Theatre, Stakeholders RoundTable, Veteran Fireside Conversation Spotlight, Generation Next Theatre (GNT), Healthy Arts Initiative, Arts/Products/Service Exhibition, Command Performance, Induction into TAF Hall of Fame, Gala and Awards Nite.
In the words of Alayande Stephen, the CEO/Co-Founder, TheatreMania Africa Festival (TAF), “The ‘Beyond Borders : Celebrating the Global Reach of African Theatre’ theme is more than just a tagline, it’s a testament to the undeniable influence and expanding footprint of African theatre globally. This further highlights our core mission which includes showcasing African theatre’s international impact. With TAF 2025, we will experience groundbreaking performances, thought-provoking narratives, and the brilliance of African artistry, transcending continents and captivating hearts. Join us as we honor the visionaries and elevate the voices that connect us all at TAF 2025.”
