Envisioning a Renaissance. Catalyzing Societal Progress through Theatre for Development in Nigerian Universities

Academic Paper in the subject Theater Studies, Dance, Obafemi Awolowo University (Dramatic Arts), course: Dramatic Arts, language: English, abstract: Theatre has the potential to be more than just entertainment; it can serve as a catalyst for societal change. In Nigeria, however, its impact has often been limited to occasional events and academic exercises. This paper argues for a renewed focus on Theatre for Development (TfD) within Nigerian universities' Drama/Theatre/Performing Arts departments. TfD, a participatory community-based practice, aims to address societal issues and engage communities in dialogue and action. The urgency of this call stems from Nigeria's ongoing challenges, including economic recession and social inequality. TfD offers a platform to address these issues by promoting community engagement and empowering individuals to effect positive change. Despite its potential, TfD faces obstacles such as funding constraints and limited outreach. This paper aims to provide a practical framework for implementing TfD within Nigerian universities. It emphasizes the importance of democratizing theatre, fostering entrepreneurship, and leveraging social media for outreach. By embracing TfD, Nigerian universities can revitalize theatre's role in society and contribute to meaningful societal advancement.