The National Theatre in Nigeria is set to host ‘Circus in Motion: The Lagos Contemporary Circus Festival’ on October 3-4, 2026. This festival will take place at the iconic National Theatre in Lagos and is initiated under the theme ‘Reimagining Nigerian Performance for the Global Stage.’
This innovative project aims to develop a sustainable performing arts sector by merging traditional West African acrobatics, folklore, music, and storytelling with modern circus techniques.
A two-week intensive training residency will precede the festival, bringing together aspiring Nigerian performers and established international circus companies, including Fekat Circus from Ethiopia, SenCirk from Senegal, and Ivoire Cirque Décalé from Côte d’Ivoire, along with Swiss artist Jessica Arpin. The program, crafted in collaboration with diplomatic and artistic partners such as the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and the Embassy of Switzerland (Pro Helvetia), aims to empower local artists with advanced skills in acrobatics, theater, and stagecraft, thereby creating long-term career opportunities in the creative economy.
A spokesperson remarked, “Circus in Motion is a transformative effort to establish a sustainable creative ecosystem for contemporary circus in Nigeria. By blending our rich movement traditions with international expertise, we are creating a world-class platform that empowers young West African talent and presents African stories on global stages.”
In addition to the live performances, the festival will include youth engagement and community outreach initiatives. These initiatives are designed to introduce young Nigerians to various professional avenues in performance, directing, and technical stage production.
The National Theatre and its partners are actively seeking corporate sponsors and institutional support to ensure the long-term success and growth of the festival. The National Theatre serves as Nigeria’s leading cultural center, dedicated to the preservation and promotion of performing arts and cultural exchange throughout West Africa.
