PRESS RELEASE
The Art of Humanity’: is designed to explore the profound intersections between the stage and the human experience. Through this theme, the festival will immerse participants and audiences in performances that reflect the shared responsibilities, challenges, and beauty of the human spirit
SINCE opening on Sunday, November 3, the week-long Abuja International Theatre Festival and Awards (ABITFA) has continued to warm the soul of Abuja and environs in rich theatrical feasts that have been assembled from no less than five states of Nigeria, and from as many countries.
Exploring the theme, The Art of Humanity,’ the festival has been attracting good attendance to its main base, the Brazilian Embassy Theatre, as well as the other venues: Korean Cultural Centre; NCAC’s Art and Craft Village; British Council; FCT Art Pavilion; Republic of Ireland Embassy, and; Institut Français (IF)
Delivered on Tuesday November 5 at the opening by the art patron-Senator, Shehu Sani, the theme was designed to explore the profound intersections between the stage and the human experience,” according to the Festival initiator and director, OmoOba Jerry Adesewo, founder of Arojah Royal Theatre Company.
“The festival will immerse participants and audiences in performances that reflect the shared responsibilities, challenges, and beauty of the human spirit,” added, Adesewo, reminding that: “ABITFA aims to become the premier theatrical showcase in Abuja and Nigeria, bringing international theatre to Nigeria while promoting Nigerian theatre on the global stage.
ABITFA 2024, as outlined by the director, will feature two categories of performances: Nigerian showcases and international guest performances. The performances include:
- How Far? By Light and Day (France)
- Joy to the City (Spain
- The Re-Education of Gina Obi (Nigeria)
- Vengeful Merriment (Nigeria)
- Exchange (Nigeria/Netherlands)
- Soiree: An Evening of Storytelling
- In Saint Mulumba (Nigeria)
The festival also features a series capacity-building workshops and masterclasses including: *
- Refocus Acting Method – Facilitated by Jasper De Bruijn (3 days)
- Performance Photography Workshop – Facilitated by Pope Egbuche (2 days)
- Street Theatre Workshop – Facilitated by Adrian Scharvstein (3 days)
- Playwriting Masterclass – Facilitated by Bisi Adigun (1 day)
- Storytelling Masterclass – Facilitated by Aduke Gomez (1 day)
Partner Institutions :ABITFA 2024 is proud to partner with a number of esteemed institutions and organizations, including:
- Lt. Gen. TY Buratai
- Embassy of Brazil in Nigeria
- Embassy of Spain
- Embassy of the Republic of Ireland
- Embassy of France & Institut Français
- National Council for Arts and Culture
- National Film and Video Censors Board
- National Gallery of Art
- British Council
- Korean Cultural Centre
- Nigerian Television Authority
- OurNigeria.News, among others
Awards & Prizes : As part of the festival, ABITFA will honor distinguished individuals and organizations with awards that recognize their outstanding contributions to the arts in Nigeria. The 2024 award nominees include:
- HE Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, Governor of Ekiti State – ABITFA/TY Buratai Award for Cultural Leadership
- Mr. Edgar Joseph, President, Duke of Shomolu Foundation – ABITFA Theatrepreneur Award
- Prof. Bakare Ojo Rasaki, Commissioner for Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Ekiti State – ABITFA Impact Award
- Mrs. Ayo Jaiyesinmi, Thespian Family Theatre Productions – ABITFA SDG Impact Award
- Prof. Barclays Ayakoroma, DVC, University of Africa – ABITFA Impact Award
- Hon. Asiwaju Jerry Alagbaoso, Playwright and Federal Legislator – ABITFA Impact Award
- Mr. Patrick Omo Otoro, Rivers of Water Productions – ABITFA Special Recognition Award
- Prof. Rasheedat Liman, Department of Theatre, ABU Zaria – ABITFA Special Recognition Award
- Assoc. Prof. Greg Mbajiorgu, Department of Theatre, UNN Nsukka – ABITFA Special Recognition Award
- Mr. Anote Adjeluorou, The ArtHub – ABITFA Pen Pal Award
The festival made an impactful debut in 2023 with international guest performances from Jamaica, Ukraine, and Romania, alongside five powerful Nigerian showcases from Jos, Port Harcourt, and Abuja. The festival also featured enriching workshops, masterclasses, and panel discussions centered around the theme: Performing Arts, Peacebuilding, and society.
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