RETHINKING THEATRE FOR DEVELOPMENT IN THE AGE OF FIFTHINDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION: INTEGRATING HUMAN-CENTRIC TECHNOLOGYFOR INCLUSIVE CULTURAL EXPRESSION

Abstract

As the world embraces the paradigm of the Fifth Industrial Revolution (5IR) marked byhuman-machine collaboration, ethical innovation, and inclusive technological advancement, TheatreforDevelopment (TfD) must be reimagined to remain relevant, impactful, and community-driven. This paper explores how TfD can adapt to the shifting landscape of 5IR by integratingdigital tools such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and participatory media platforms without compromising its core principles of dialogue, empowerment, and local agency. Groundedinamultidisciplinary theoretical framework combining Dialogic Pedagogy Theory, Human-CenteredDesign (HCD), and Critical Posthumanism, the study examines how technology can be ethicallyand creatively harnessed to enhance community engagement, foster inclusive storytelling, andaddress issues of access, sustainability, and representation. Through this framework, TfDispositioned as a dynamic space where tradition and innovation intersect allowing for newformsof co-creation between human participants and intelligent systems. The paper further discussessub-themes such as digital storytelling for grassroots activism, assistive technologies forinclusivity, and AI-supported monitoring and evaluation in development theatre. It concludesbyproposing a redefined TfD praxis that aligns with the values of the 5IR: ethical innovation, sustainability, and human-centric development.