There is an old joke about philosophy: An engineering student asks a philosopher “what is the point of philosophy? The philosopher replies, “what is the point of engineering?” The engineer begins to answer, but the philosopher interrupts, “whatever you answer, you are doing philosophy.”
The same is true of theory. I’ve had activists ask me before, why focus on theory? Why not take action! I ask, what action do you think we should take? Whatever you answer, you will be doing theory. Every activist already has a theory. “Doing theory” is just looking at your ideology consciously.
This is correct and well worth articulating, but those who don't already agree with it won't get it, because "To argue with a man who has renounced the use and authority of reason, and whose philosophy consists in holding humanity in contempt, is like administering medicine to the dead ..." (Thomas Paine)
I guess theory is basic beliefs.