Theatre As A Tool For National Development: The Case Of Obra Drama Group, Abibigromma, And Theatre For Development

Abstract

This study examines the developmental role of theatre in Ghana by exploring the historical evolution, social contributions, and contemporary challenges of three major theatre institutions: the Obra Drama Group, Abibigromma, and selected Theatre for Development (TfD) initiatives. Using a qualitative research design, the study engaged twenty purposively selected participants, including actors, directors, playwrights, and community-based theatre practitioners. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to generate in-depth data on how theatre functions as a tool for civic education, cultural preservation, and social transformation. The findings reveal that Obra significantly shaped public moral consciousness through accessible storytelling rooted in Ghanaian folklore, proverbs, and humour. Abibigromma was found to contribute to community development by promoting cultural identity, indigenous knowledge, and public dialogue through its institution-based performances. TfD initiatives further demonstrated the participatory power of theatre, enabling communities to analyze and address issues such as sanitation, governance, and social cohesion. Across the three entities, theatre emerged as a multidimensional medium capable of humanizing social problems, stimulating reflection, and influencing behavioral change. However, challenges such as inadequate funding, limited state support, infrastructural constraints, and reduced audience engagement were identified as barriers to maximizing theatre’s developmental impact. The study concludes that strengthening institutional partnerships, enhancing policy support, and investing in capacity-building for theatre practitioners will be essential for sustaining theatre’s relevance in Ghana’s development communication landscape. These insights contribute to scholarly discourse on the intersection of performing arts and national development while highlighting theatre’s potential as a transformative communication tool.