The Fourth World

Synopsis

A dystopian future dominated by the unseen world of slums and poverty.

David Caute’s The Fourth World, thrusts us into the hidden, explosive reality of global slums, a world inhabited by over a billion people. This powerful narrative takes us across continents, revealing the immense challenges faced by this seething mass of humanity. Through a series of interconnected vignettes, we witness the daily struggles and small triumphs of those living on society’s margins.

Caute’s play is a stark, unflinching examination of social inequality, poverty, and the struggle for survival. By blending elements of documentary-style storytelling with dramatic intensity, he creates a visceral experience that forces audiences to confront the harsh realities of global disparity. The characters – from a resourceful child scavenger to a determined community organiser – embody the resilience and desperation of those forgotten by the world’s economic engines.