ABITFA 4.0: Abuja Set to Host Five-Day International Theatre Festival
By Matthew Eloyi
The Abuja International Theatre Festival and Awards (ABITFA) is set to return for its fourth edition from November 4 to 8, 2026, with a five-day programme of theatrical performances, workshops, masterclasses and professional engagements aimed at promoting artistic growth and cultural exchange.
The festival, organised by Arojah Royal Theatre, is themed “The Art of Becoming” and will bring together theatre practitioners, cultural organisations, emerging creatives and audiences to explore the role of storytelling and collaboration in shaping individuals, communities and the performing arts.
According to a press release by the organisers, ABITFA 4.0 will feature four theatrical productions alongside professional development activities designed to strengthen artistic practice, encourage knowledge-sharing and create networking opportunities within the creative industry.
The performance series will open on Thursday, November 5, with Federico García Lorca’s The Shoemaker’s Wonderful Wife, presented by Jos Repertory Theatre with the support of the Embassy of Spain in Nigeria. The production is scheduled for 6 p.m.
On Friday, November 6, Arojah Royal Theatre will present LEAH, written and directed by Om’Oba Jerry Adesewo. Inspired by the story of Leah Sharibu, the production explores themes of faith, courage, identity and human resilience.
Another production by Adesewo, Iya Arike, will be staged on Saturday, November 7, at 6 p.m., offering audiences another opportunity to experience the company’s theatrical storytelling.
The performances will take place at Whisper Art Haus, Shehu Shagari Way, Maitama, Abuja.
Beyond the stage productions, the festival will feature a series of professional engagements beginning on Wednesday, November 4, with the Nigerian National Association of Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP) Roundtable, also themed “The Art of Becoming.”
Scheduled for 4 p.m. at the Art and Craft Village, Abuja, the roundtable will provide a platform for artists to share experiences and examine the different pathways through which creative professionals develop their careers.
On Thursday, November 5, a directing masterclass titled “The Way and the How: The Art and Craft of Directing” will hold at the American Space, FCT City Library, Wuse, Abuja.
The masterclass, facilitated by Peter St. Ricks, with an interactive session curated by Dr. Ola Ifatimehin, will examine the processes involved in translating artistic concepts into stage productions, including collaboration with actors and designers.
The programme will continue on Friday, November 6, with an artistic encounter workshop titled “The Sound of Silence,” facilitated by Adesewo at 2 p.m. at the Art and Craft Village.
A virtual holding talk session will take place on Saturday, November 7, focusing on “Participatory Theatre in the Digital Age: How to Stage Plays That Build Communities and Engage Young Citizens.”
The session will bring together practitioners to explore how theatre can be used to promote community participation, strengthen civic engagement and connect with younger audiences in an increasingly digital society.
The organisers said the festival was designed to create opportunities for artistic expression, critical reflection, professional development and international cultural engagement.
They noted that the theme, “The Art of Becoming,” reflects the continuous process of growth, transformation and discovery in the creative industry, while encouraging artists and audiences to rethink the possibilities of the performing arts.
The festival is expected to attract actors, directors, playwrights, producers, designers, arts educators, cultural administrators, students and other stakeholders in Nigeria’s creative sector.
Arojah Royal Theatre also called on organisations, institutions, businesses and individuals to support the festival through partnerships, sponsorships, donations and publicity.
Registration and further information about the festival are available through the theatre’s website at www.arojahroyaltheatre.com.ng/abitfa and its social media platforms, @arojahroyaltheatre.
