Singapore Repertory Theatre reimagines Macbeth in the metaverse through Roblox collaboration

The Singapore Repertory Theatre (SRT) has launched its first-ever immersive theatre experience on Roblox, inviting a new generation of audiences to engage with Shakespeare’s Macbeth in a virtual world.

Part of the National Arts Council (NAC)’s Project Arts Metaverse (PAM), this digital reinterpretation of Macbeth lets players step into the mind of the tragic hero in a stylised sci-fi world. Developed by Metakey in association with MeshMinds and guided by TBWA\Singapore’s innovation counsel, the Roblox experience adapts dramatic scenes from SRT’s Shakespeare in the park – Macbeth production and reimagines them for younger, tech-savvy audiences.

The initiative is the first of four pilot projects under PAM, an Alliance for Action (AfA) program spearheaded by NAC to explore how the arts can evolve within digital ecosystems. The launch follows a series of discovery and visioning workshops led by TBWA that brought together creatives from both the tech and arts communities.

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The NAC together with the advertising agency, worked closely with SRT in facilitating their crucial partnership with Metakey and ensuring strategic alignment with educational objectives, to prepare "Macbeth on Roblox" as a valuable supplemental resource for teachers.

Designed with careful reference to the ministry of education learning outcomes for literature in English in both lower and upper secondary, the game will support educators in fostering a deeper understanding and intrinsic appreciation for Shakespeare’s work and for literature more broadly.

"Macbeth on Roblox" by SRT, is projected to exceed half a million play sessions over the next year, adding a new dimension to how classical theatre can reach future audiences, TBWA added in its statement.

“Through Project Arts Metaverse, NAC enables artists and arts groups to innovate and experiment, transforming the virtual realm with new and engaging ways for audiences to experience the arts,” said Victor Ang, director, technology and innovation, NAC. “This adaptation of Macbeth exemplifies how the AfA structure fosters meaningful collaboration between the people, private and public sectors," he added. 

SRT’s managing director Charlotte Nors said the project was driven by a desire to bridge the gap between live theatre and the digital worlds that younger audiences inhabit. “The younger community spend an incredible amount of time online and often in gaming universes. We saw a powerful opportunity to bring theatre into that digital world and spark curiosity in young people about the arts," she said. 

“We believe in the power of 'Disruption' to create meaningful connections. Exploring how new digital realms can break down traditional barriers is part of our mission to make art and culture more accessible to new generations," said Melissa Daniels, head of innovation, TBWA\Asia and TBWA\Singapore.

While it's nothing new for Singaporean brands and agencies, tapping into the metaverse via Roblox, it's refreshing to see it come back to life for the educational means, here in this instance with "Macbeth on Roblox". 

Back in 2023 during the height of Roblox's popularity, Changi Airport Group (CAG) entered the metaverse with the launch of a new experience titled ChangiVerse. The new experience, in collaboration with Accenture, opened a fresh way for audiences to connect with the airport and to explore its notable sights, all in the digital realm.

Later that same year, DBS launched a new concept for its metaverse DBS BetterWorld where it uses gamification in the virtual space for good, such as highlighting sustainability and the eradication of food waste. 

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