SINGAPORE – This month, the Singapore Repertory Theatre (SRT), in partnership with the National Arts Council (NAC) launches Macbeth on Roblox – a first of its kind theatrical experience set within the boundless metaverse.
This innovative reimagining of Macbeth is the inaugural pilot under the Project Arts Metaverse (PAM), a strategic initiative by the NAC designed to unlock new modes of arts engagement and discovery through virtual platforms. Developed by Metakey in association with creative tech studio MeshMinds, and guided by the strategic direction of TBWA\Singapore, the project invites audiences to step directly into Macbeth’s tormented psyche not from a theatre seat, but within an immersive, stylised sci-fi environment on Roblox.
Drawing inspiration from SRT’s 2025 Shakespeare in the Park – Macbeth production, this digital adaptation recontextualises key moments from the play, allowing players to interact with iconic scenes and make choices that reflect the protagonist’s descent into ambition fueled madness. Designed for a new generation of digital natives, the experience represents a bold intersection of performance, technology, and education.
“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. “We were delighted to bring together and work closely with our stakeholders to pioneer this adaptation of Macbeth, exemplifying how the AfA structure fosters meaningful collaboration between the people, private and public sectors, enabling the arts to thrive.”
“The younger community spend an incredible amount of time online and often in gaming universes,” says Charlotte Nors, Managing Director, SRT. “Together with NAC and TBWA\Singapore, we saw a powerful opportunity to bridge the gap between the physical and digital realms. By bringing theatre into that digital world, we hope to spark curiosity and excite young people about theatre, and introduce them to the characters from our plays, ultimately aiming to inspire their offline engagement with the arts.”
“We believe in the power of Disruption® to create meaningful connections,” says Melissa Daniels, Head of Innovation, TBWA\Asia and TBWA\Singapore. “Partnering with NAC and SRT on this innovative project has given us the opportunity to explore how new digital realms and innovation can break down traditional barriers and make art and culture more accessible and relatable to new generations.
TBWA\Singapore and NAC has 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 (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 is reportedly expected to attract over half a million play sessions in the next twelve months. It is available through https://www.roblox.com/games/112477105192778/MACBETH-alpha#!/about
CREDITS
Client: National Arts Council
Project Owner: Singapore Repertory Theatre
Game Builders: Metakey in association with Meshminds
Project Manager and Innovation Counsel: TBWA\Singapore
