Theatre for development as catalyst for empowerment at the grassroots through cybernetic pedagogy in selected Ekiti state communities

Abstract

Theatre for Development (TfD) is a type of community-based or interactive theatre practice that aims to promote civic dialogue and  engagement that uses performances as a participatory tool to help individuals and groups share their experiences with the intent of  social transformation and empowerment. But the policy has failed to involve or include the people in the rural areas in development that  concerns their lives. This observe therefore addresses the hassle of under improvement and disempowerment among Nigerian  population especially in some selected Ekiti communities with the aid of exploring the validity of Theatre for Development Methodology.  The demanding situations of human empowerment, transformation, emancipation and rural development remain critical issues in Ekiti  State. The paper adopts qualitative studies technique, incorporating development communication via cybernetic pedagogy, participant commentary in its facts gathering and content analysis at the same time, ethnographic research layout method of records collection is  used in the BOUESTI/ selected communities in Ekiti. Theatre for Development projects. The projects x-rayed the low-level of development  in these clusters which includes, the urban drift of youths the neglect and lack of support of the widows from within and without, lack of  health centre and convenient facilities (i.e. toilets) which toll the death rate of the people on the increase. The look hence unearths that  Theatre for Development possesses the potency for facilitating human improvement in all ramifications if correctly carried out. This  paper therefore recommends that the usage of the theatre for Development alternative which encompasses the conventional nuance of  conversation, performance-oriented approach to promote dialogue, create attention and inspire participation would decorate sustainable development in the communities and the nation at large.