Theatre for Global Integration and Sustainable Democracy in Nigeria

Abstract

Theatre has remained one of the most dynamic cultural instruments for fostering global integration and sustaining democratic values in contemporary society. Beyond entertainment, theatre functions as a social institution that facilitates dialogue, cultural exchange, civic consciousness, and collective participation.In an era shaped by globalization, migration, digital interconnectedness, and political instability, theatre provides a performative space where diverse identities, ideologies, and experiences can meet, negotiate, and coexist. This paper, though analytical in nature examines theatre as a viable medium for global integration and sustainable democracy, arguing that theatrical performance promotes intercultural understanding, democratic participation, and social transformation. Drawing from performance theory, Theatre for Development (TfD), and intercultural theatre discourse, the study adopts a qualitative and analytical approach to explore how theatre enables transnational dialogue, challenges hegemonic narratives, and cultivates democratic culture. The study recommends increased investment in theatre education, stronger cultural policies, institutional support for creative practitioners, and greater integration of digital technologies into theatrical productions. The paper therefore, concludes that theatre is not merely aesthetic practices but strategic tools for nurturing civic engagement, social inclusion, and democratic resilience in a rapidly globalizing world.