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The Art Of Humanity As ABITFA 2024 Holds In November

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.

The theme for ABITFA 2024, 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.

According to the organisers, 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.

“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, and Institut Français (IF).

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, and ‘In Saint Mulumba’ (Nigeria).

“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; Performance Photography Workshop – Facilitated by Pope Egbuche; Street Theatre Workshop – Facilitated by Adrian Scharvstein; Playwriting Masterclass – Facilitated by Bisi Adigun; and Storytelling Masterclass – Facilitated by Aduke Gomez.

“As part of the festival, ABITFA will honour distinguished individuals and organisations with awards that recognise their outstanding contributions to the arts in Nigeria.

The 2024 award nominees include: Governor of Ekiti State, HE Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji – ABITFA/TY Buratai Award for Cultural Leadership; President, Duke of Shomolu Foundation, Mr. Edgar Joseph – ABITFA Theatrepreneur Award; Commissioner for Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Ekiti State, Prof. Bakare Ojo Rasaki – ABITFA Impact Award; Mrs. Ayo Jaiyesinmi, Thespian Family Theatre Productions – ABITFA SDG Impact Award; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC), University of Africa, Prof. Barclays Ayakoroma – ABITFA Impact Award;playwright and Federal Legislator, Hon. Asiwaju Jerry Alagbaoso – ABITFA Impact Award; Mr. Patrick Omo Otoro, Rivers of Water Productions – ABITFA Special Recognition Award; Prof. Rasheedat Liman, Department of Theatre, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria – ABITFA Special Recognition Award; Assoc. Prof. Greg Mbajiorgu, Department of Theatre, University of Nigeria, Nsukka – ABITFA Special Recognition Award; and Mr. Anote Adjeluorou, The ArtHub – ABITFA Pen Pal Award.

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