Stage Drama, Cultural Performances Steal Spotlight At Itansan ArtFest 2026

Stage plays and cultural performances took centre stage at the maiden edition of Itansan ArtFest 2026 as performers, dramatists, dancers, and creatives delivered captivating theatrical displays aimed at promoting African heritage and indigenous storytelling.

The festival, held on Saturday at the Adeline Hall of Lead City University, Ibadan, attracted cultural enthusiasts, artists, curators, students, and stakeholders from across the arts and tourism sector.

The event, themed “Beacon of the Ancestors,” featured a blend of theatre performances, cultural dance displays, spoken word sessions, fashion showcases, trade exhibitions, workshops, and artistic presentations that celebrated the richness of African traditions and identity.

One of the major highlights of the festival was the series of stage dramas and theatrical performances that drew loud applause from guests as performers creatively interpreted African history, spirituality, morality, and communal values through storytelling and live performances.

The cultural displays, accompanied by traditional music, chants, costumes, and symbolic artistic expressions, created an atmosphere that reflected the depth of indigenous African heritage and creativity.

Speaking during the event, the convener, Adekunle Elizabeth Adewunmi, popularly known as Adewunmi Itansan, said the festival was created to preserve and promote African culture by using art and creative performances to engage younger generations.

According to her, theatre and cultural storytelling remain powerful tools for education, identity formation, and societal reflection.

“We wanted culture to be experienced and not just discussed. Through theatre, performances, and storytelling, people are able to connect emotionally with their heritage and understand the values embedded in our traditions,” she said.

Adewunmi explained that the festival was designed to bridge the growing gap between modern lifestyles and cultural consciousness among youths.

“We are seeing a generation that is heavily influenced by global culture but gradually disconnected from indigenous identity. Festivals like this help to restore that connection in a creative and engaging way,” she stated.

She added that Itansan ArtFest was intentionally structured to make culture attractive, dynamic, and relevant to contemporary audiences, particularly young people.

The convener also highlighted the launch of the cultural book Emissaries of the Gods (Iko Orisa) during the festival, describing it as part of efforts to introduce children and teenagers to African mythology, values, and indigenous knowledge systems through literature.

Aside from the theatrical displays, guests were entertained with fashion parades inspired by African heritage, spoken word poetry, drumming sessions, and exhibitions showcasing indigenous crafts and artworks.

Among dignitaries and stakeholders present at the event were the Osun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Ojo Abiodun; the Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Wasiu Olatunbosun; Rashidat Olayinka Ladoja; Abiodun Adeyemi; renowned artist and curator, Tunde Odunlade; and Adekunle Alonge.