<b>The Theatre Artiste as Agent of Development</b>

Abstract

This paper examines the Theatre Artiste and his functions that contribute to societal development. Qualitative analysis method was used in examining the relevant of the theatre in achieving developmental goals. The author observed that the theatre plays crucial roles in mass mobilization for rural urban development. The artist is considered as someone with special 'calling' to uplift the people by creating awareness which motivates them to initiate actions that enable them take active roles in determining what happens in their society. It is also observed that the theatre artist is creatively involved in the exploration of the attributes of his environment interpreted in various forms through acting, criticism, dance and music. To this extent, the theatre artist should be co-opted into the programmes of national interest and funded since he has the potentials to mobilize the people towards the execution of developmental projects.