Singapore Repertory Theatre Transforms Macbeth into a Metaverse Experience via Roblox Collaboration

The Singapore Repertory Theatre (SRT) has introduced its inaugural immersive theatre experience on Roblox, engaging a new audience demographic with Shakespeare’s Macbeth in a virtual setting.

As part of the National Arts Council (NAC)’s Project Arts Metaverse (PAM), this digital adaptation of Macbeth allows players to delve into the psyche of the tragic protagonist within a stylized sci-fi environment. Created by Metakey in collaboration with MeshMinds and directed by TBWA\Singapore’s innovation counsel, this Roblox experience reinterprets key scenes from SRT’s Shakespeare in the Park – Macbeth production, catering to a younger, tech-savvy audience.

This initiative marks the first of four pilot projects under PAM, a program led by NAC to investigate how the arts can advance within digital ecosystems. The launch comes after a series of discovery workshops conducted by TBWA, which convened creative minds from both tech and arts sectors.

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In partnership with the advertising agency, NAC collaborated closely with SRT to forge an essential alliance with Metakey, ensuring that “Macbeth on Roblox” aligns with educational objectives and serves as a valuable resource for teachers.

Crafted with careful attention to the Ministry of Education’s learning outcomes for literature in English at both lower and upper secondary levels, the game aims to aid educators in nurturing a deeper understanding and appreciation for Shakespeare’s works and literature in general.

“Macbeth on Roblox,” created by SRT, is anticipated to surpass half a million play sessions over the coming year, providing a fresh perspective on how classical theatre can connect with future audiences, as stated by TBWA.

“Through Project Arts Metaverse, NAC empowers artists and arts organizations to innovate and experiment, reshaping the virtual landscape with new and engaging methods for audiences to experience the arts,” remarked Victor Ang, director of technology and innovation at NAC. “This adaptation of Macbeth highlights how the AfA structure fosters meaningful collaboration between public, private, and creative sectors,” he added.

SRT’s managing director Charlotte Nors expressed that the project was motivated by the aim of bridging the gap between live theatre and the digital realms frequented by younger audiences. “The younger generation spends a significant amount of time online, often in gaming environments. We recognized a powerful opportunity to integrate theatre into that digital space and inspire young people’s interest in the arts,” she stated.

“We believe in the power of ‘Disruption’ to forge meaningful connections. Investigating how new digital spheres can dismantle traditional boundaries is integral to our mission to enhance art and culture accessibility for new generations,” stated Melissa Daniels, head of innovation at TBWA\Asia and TBWA\Singapore.

While it’s not new for Singaporean brands and agencies to venture into the metaverse via Roblox, it’s refreshing to see it reinvigorated for educational purposes, as evidenced by “Macbeth on Roblox.”

Earlier in 2023, during the peak of Roblox’s popularity, Changi Airport Group (CAG) explored the metaverse with the launch of an experience called ChangiVerse. This collaboration with Accenture created a novel way for audiences to engage with the airport and its prominent attractions, entirely in the digital realm.

Later that year, DBS unveiled a new concept for its metaverse DBS BetterWorld, utilizing gamification in the virtual space for positive purposes, such as raising awareness about sustainability and combatting food waste.

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