Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts: What’s new about the National Theatre, Iganmu?
On July 13, 2024, President Bola Tinubu officially renamed the National Arts Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos, as the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts in honour of Nigeria’s literary giant and Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka, on his 90th birthday.
The National Theatre stands as a monumental symbol of Nigeria's rich cultural heritage and artistic expression. Built in 1976, in preparation for the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC '77), the National Theatre was designed to serve as a premier venue for the celebration of African arts, culture, and heritage.
Its construction was inspired by the Palace of Culture and Sports in Varna, Bulgaria, reflecting a blend of modernist architecture with deep cultural resonance.
The theatre has played a pivotal role in promoting Nigeria's artistic scene, hosting countless performances, exhibitions, and cultural events over the decades. It has been a nurturing ground for many of Nigeria’s finest artists, playw…
