Actors and theatre practitioners across the continent are gearing up for the 2nd edition of TheatreMania Africa Festival (TAF) scheduled for Tuesday, December 9 at Shodex Gardens, Ilupeju, Lagos and Radisson Blu, Ikeja, Lagos on Wednesday, December 10, 2025.
Already, several speakers and panelists have been penciled for this year’s festival themed: ‘Beyond Borders: Celebrating the Global Reach of African Theatre’.
They include Mrs. Taiwo Ajai-Lycett, Ebo Whyte (Founder, Roverman Productions, Ghana), Mr. Soro Badrissa (Puppeteer and Founding Artistic Director of Compagnie Ivoire Marionnettes (Abatta), Republic of Côte d’Ivoire), Marc Berbant (Director, Alliance Francaise), Akin Lewis, Norbert Young, Francis Onwochei, and Adeniran Makinde (NANTAP President).
Others are Dr. Titilayo Adebayo (Lecturer, Creatives Arts, UNILAG), Kingsley Omoefe (Nollywood Director), Lydia Gifty Hagan, (Arts & Media Consultant, Ghana), Aishat Mamela Rafamhelea (Producer, South Africa), Paul Uwagbai (Veteran Director), Segun Adefila (Crown Troupe of Afrika), Ben Chidiaka (Thespian/Director), Titilayo Aboyade-Cole (Actress/Entrepreneur), Zani Chiumia Challe (Actress/Artist, Malawi), Claude Mwamba (GM, Transperfect Nigeria), Ehi Omokhuale (Veteran Voice Actor), 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 (Award Winning Author), Otunba Olu Adenodi (Investment Attorney), Olusola Adekoya (MD, Shodex Gardens) and Olubanke Adeleke, CEO, Dressrite Kiddies).
According to the organisers, TheatreMania Africa Festival will avail participants the opportunity of witnessing important activations and activities like Street Theatre, Stakeholders RoundTable, Veteran Fireside Conversation Spotlight, Generation Next Theatre (GNT), Healthy Arts Initiative, Arts/Products/Service Exhibition, Command Performance, TAF Hall of Fame, Gala and Awards Nite.
Speaking on the event, Nollywood actor, Akin Lewis, who doubles as TAF’s Chairman, Board of Trustee (BOT), said: “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 emphasises the belief in the universal relevance and emotional power of African theatrical narratives. We are proud to be part of TAF 2025 initiative that is bringing conversations, performances and recognition to the industry.”
Alayande Stephen, CEO/Co-Founder, TheatreMania Africa Festival, emphasized that this year’s theme, Beyond Borders: Celebrating the Global Reach of African Theatre, 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 honour the visionaries and elevate the voices that connect us all,” he concluded.