CYBERTECH-THEATRE: A PATHWAY FOR DIGITAL THEATRE FOR DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

This study for shadows the place of digital technologies in Theatre for Development projects especially the use of visual spaces to projecting the community–based issues and add values to the people’s lives. The study traces the origin of digital technologies in Theatre for Development, examines their current state, and proposes ways forward. It applies Cybertch Theatre theory as a framework for facilitating the incorporation of new technologies into community-based theatre as a way of enhancing digital convergence and cultural preservations through collective role-play, thereby enabling audience to become active participants. The study reveals that the new technology in TfD provides new tool and a blend with the traditional and cultural approaches to addressing community issues. It concludes that the approach breaks geographical barriers and fosters change in host communities. Furthermore, the study maintains that artist pr4sents people with 'true' state of affairs in their environment with the intention of provoking critical and emotional responses. This has remained an enduring characteristic of theatre and media arts.