Jos Repertory Theatre Presents Bold New Voices and Timeless Classics

Scene from a past performance at the Jos International Festival of Theatre

The Jos Repertory Theatre (JRT), in collaboration with USGEAAN Plateau State Chapter, is set to host the 16th Jos International Festival of Theatre from May 16 to 20, 2025, at the Alliance Francaise in Jos. Over the past decade, this festival has become a vital platform for Nigerian artists to showcase their talents alongside international works, fostering cultural exchange and artistic growth.

Theatre meets reality

The 2025 festival, themed ‘Creating Theatre in These Times’, will present a compelling lineup of plays from Nigeria, the Czech Republic, the USA, and Norway, all performed by Nigerian actors. The productions will explore urgent contemporary themes such as migration, marriage, politics, revolt, social change, abuse of power, and economic inequality. These topics resonate deeply within Nigeria’s socio-political climate, making the festival a crucial space for reflection and dialogue through art.

Significantly, the festival aims to revive the Nigerian Association of Theatre Practitioners (NANTAP) in Plateau State and enhance arts management practices, supported by the DeVos Institute for Arts and Non-Profit Management. It also offers invaluable experiential learning opportunities for interns from Nigerian universities, nurturing the next generation of theatre professionals.

The 2025 edition will introduce two new directors, Uvie Giwewhegbe and Mark Musa, who will debut their original plays. The festival will also feature renowned classics such as Vaclav Havel’s The Protest (a sequel to Audience), Arthur Miller’s A View from the Bridge — a poignant migration story — and Henrik Ibsen’s Ghosts, adapted into Pidgin English as Spirit. This adaptation will be streamed live to audiences in Norway, underscoring the festival’s international reach and innovative spirit.

Attending the Jos International Festival of Theatre offers a unique opportunity to engage with powerful narratives that mirror Nigeria’s challenges and aspirations. It is a celebration of artistic excellence and a forum for societal introspection and cultural dialogue, making it a must-visit event for theatre lovers, cultural enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the transformative power of the arts.