The National Theatre, Lagos, has officially announced its "May Season," a cultural showcase designed to blend traditional storytelling with digital innovation through theatre and animation. Scheduled for May 30, the event will take place at the main bowl of the newly renovated National Theatre.
Event Highlights
The showcase will feature the stage production I Wish, I Wish alongside the Toontopia 2.0: Children Animation Festival. According to the organisers, the initiative aims to reconnect audiences with live stage drama while introducing younger viewers to opportunities in animation and digital storytelling.
Reviving Professional Theatre
The organisers described I Wish, I Wish as a production focused on reviving professional theatre performances at the National Theatre and restoring interest in live storytelling in Lagos. They also noted that Toontopia 2.0 would serve as a platform for young digital creators, combining entertainment with technology-focused learning and highlighting the growing economic potential of Nigeria's animation and digital content industry.
A Season of Revival
Speaking on the concept behind the season, the organisers said the programme represents "a season of revival" for the National Theatre as it seeks to attract both traditional theatre audiences and younger, digitally inclined families. They added that the initiative aligns with efforts to reposition the National Theatre as a leading cultural destination in Africa while promoting the commercial value of Nigeria's creative industry.
Creative Economy Focus
The organisers further noted that the events would spotlight the role of arts, animation, and intellectual property in the country's growing creative economy. The May Season is also expected to provide opportunities for discussions around talent development, cultural preservation, and the intersection between theatre and technology.
Interviews and Insights
Organisers said interviews with management, producers, cast, and creative teams would focus on issues including the future of live theatre, the rise of digital storytelling, and the National Theatre's evolving role in Nigeria's entertainment sector.
