Lagos to host 40th anniversary reunion of Ajofest ’86

Theatre practitioners and Nollywood stars will gather in Lagos on November 1 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Ajofest ’86. The event, titled ‘Ajofest ’86 – 40 Years Later: Reunion and Reflections’, will be held at Queen Amina Gardens within the National Theatre, Iganmu.

The festival originally showcased four plays written by the late legal practitioner and playwright Dr. Fred Agbeyegbe: ‘The King Must Dance Naked’, ‘Woe Unto Death’, ‘The Last Omen’, and ‘Budiso’. These works, which explored themes of tradition, justice, and political authority, were performed during Nigeria’s military era and helped demonstrate the impact of private investment in professional Nigerian theatre.

The reunion will feature a keynote address by Ben Tomoloju and a panel discussion including Richard Mofe-Damijo, Ayo Lijadu, Yomi Layinka, and Lara Akinsola. The program, organized in partnership with the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP), will include dramatic readings by the Crown Troupe of Africa and tributes to original cast and crew members.