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
IN 2023, the maiden edition of the Abuja International Theatre Festival and Awards (ABITFA) made an impactful debut 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 the Society.
Building on this success, the second edition of ABITFA is set to take place from November 3-9, 2024, in the heart of Abuja. 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.
Theme: 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.
Keynote Speaker” Senator Shehu Sani—playwright, legislator, and civil rights activist—will deliver the keynote address on the theme during the festival’s opening ceremony on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at 10:00 AM at the Brazilian Embassy Theatre.
Venues: The festival will be staged across several prominent venues in Abuja, including:
– Brazilian Embassy Theatre
– Korean Cultural Centre
– NCAC’s Art and Craft Village
– British Council
– FCT Art Pavilion
– Republic of Ireland Embassy
– Institut Français (IF)
Performances: ABITFA 2024 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)
Workshops & Masterclasses: A series of capacity-building workshops and masterclasses will be available to participants. Registration is currently open for the following:
- Refocus Acting Method – Facilitated by Jasper De Bruijn (3 days)
- Performance Photography Workshop – Facilitated by Pope Egbuche (2 days)
- treet Theatre Workshop – Facilitated by Adrian Scharvstein (3 days)
- Playwriting Masterclass – Facilitated by Bisi Adigun (1 day)
- Storytelling Masterclass – Facilitated by Aduke Gomez (1 day)
Call for participation is already open for interested participants to register through this link: https://tinyurl.com/ABITFA2024Workshops
Registration Fee: N5000. All spots must be pre-booked. Payment can be made to Fidelity Bank PLC (Account No: 4010900883). Kindly send proof of payment to WhatsApp +2348182005597. Specific dates, times, and venues will be communicated directly to registered participants.
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
For More Information:
For further inquiries, contact the festival team via WhatsApp at +2348182005597 or +2348052771123, or by email at [email protected]
