This paper proposes a re-examination of the histographies of theatre for development (TfD) which takes into account the background influences, cultures and agendas of complex networks of actors, organizations, governments, and higher education institutions in which the practice and praxis of TfD revolve. The article introduces and reflects on my ongoing research, in which I argue for a new research paradigm that will aid researchers, practitioners, and theorists to understand the complex nature of their work. Moreover, I seek to narrow the reader's attention to important but missing elements in TfD histories and historiographies.