National Theatre Unveils ‘Circus in Motion’: Lagos Contemporary Circus Festival

The National Theatre in Lagos, Nigeria, has unveiled an ambitious event titled 'Circus in Motion: The Lagos Contemporary Circus Festival,' scheduled for October 3–4, 2026. This groundbreaking festival, themed 'Reimagining Nigerian Performance for the Global Stage,' is set to redefine the country's performing arts industry by merging traditional West African acrobatics, folklore, music, and storytelling with modern circus techniques.

In preparation for the festival, a two-week intensive training residency will be held, uniting young Nigerian performers with international circus companies such as Fekat Circus from Ethiopia, SenCirk from Senegal, Ivoire Cirque Décalé from Côte d'Ivoire, and Jessica Arpin from Switzerland. This collaboration is a result of creative partnership with diplomatic and arts organizations, including the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and the Embassy of Switzerland (Pro Helvetia).

The primary goal of Circus in Motion is to foster a sustainable creative ecosystem for contemporary circus in Nigeria. By blending indigenous movement traditions with international expertise, the festival aims to empower young West African talent and provide a platform for African stories to be showcased on global stages. Tola Akerele, General Manager/CEO of the National Theatre, emphasized the transformative nature of the festival, stating that it will create a world-class environment where young West African artists can develop advanced skills in acrobatics, theater, and stagecraft, thereby unlocking long-term career prospects in the creative economy.

In addition to the main festival events, Circus in Motion will incorporate youth engagement and community outreach initiatives. These programs are designed to introduce young Nigerians to potential careers in performance, directing, and technical stage production. The National Theatre, along with its founding partners, is actively seeking corporate sponsors and institutional partners to ensure the festival's long-term success and expansion.

As Nigeria's premier cultural landmark, the National Theatre is committed to preserving, developing, and promoting performing arts, creative expression, and cultural exchange across West Africa. The 'Circus in Motion' festival represents a significant step forward in realizing this commitment, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region while embracing the global stage.