From the primordial to the modern society, the performing arts have always played very essential roles in bringing people together, to develop cultural norms and values that are paramount to human co-existence in society. From the very simple theatrical forms to the most sophisticated development in movies, the performing arts have always united, corrected, educated and entertained members of society, thereby contributing to national development. Like sports, the performing arts’ ability to do this is natural, spontaneous and legendary. This paper examines the traditional roles of the performing arts (Drama, Music, Dance, etc) in uniting and developing society, from the classical to the modern society, in different societies of the world. It examines the current state of these arts worldwide, denouncing their negative uses and extolling their deployment for responsible uses. Operating on the theory of functionality of Arts, it goes on to identify in very concrete terms, how performing art forms could be used to enhance human resources development and make society a better place to live in.
Keywords: Development, Human Society, National integration, Performing Arts
