Theatre is the soul of a nation’s cultural identity. It tells our stories, preserves our heritage, and serves as a mirror reflecting both our triumphs and trials. As we celebrate World Theatre Day 2025, we must recognize the role of theatre in shaping Nigeria’s future—a tool for enlightenment, unity, and national rebirth.
This year, under the auspices of the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP), we embrace the theme: “Theatre: A Beacon of Hope and National Rebirth.” Our nation is at a crossroads, facing economic, social, and political challenges, but theatre remains a force for positive transformation.
Through theatre, we tell the stories of resilience, of communities striving against adversity, of young Nigerians refusing to succumb to despair. Our plays, performances, and cultural expressions are not just entertainment; they are powerful calls to action, urging governance with integrity, inspiring youth engagement, and fostering national unity.
As Nigerian theatre practitioners, we must see ourselves as torchbearers of this renaissance. Let our stages resound with the voices of hope, our scripts ignite critical conversations, and our performances heal wounds and bridge divides. Let us take theatre beyond the curtains—into schools, marketplaces, digital spaces, and communities where its impact can be deeply felt.
On this World Theatre Day, NANTAP calls upon all stakeholders—government, private sector, and the global creative industry—to invest in Nigerian theatre. With adequate support, we can elevate our craft, empower our artists, and export our rich narratives to the world.
As we celebrate today, let us remember that the stage is not just a platform—it is a movement, a revolution, and a light guiding us toward a greater Nigeria.
Happy World Theatre Day 2025!
Adeniran Makinde, fta.
President, NANTAP
