Singapore Repertory Theatre Launches Immersive Experience on Roblox
The Singapore Repertory Theatre (SRT) has introduced its inaugural immersive theatre initiative on Roblox, aiming to engage a new audience with Shakespeare’s classic play, Macbeth, in a digital environment. This innovative project is part of the National Arts Council (NAC)’s Project Arts Metaverse (PAM), allowing participants to delve into the psyche of the play’s tragic protagonist within a stylized sci-fi setting. Collaboratively developed by Metakey alongside MeshMinds, and with guidance from TBWA\Singapore’s innovation team, this Roblox adaptation draws inspiration from SRT’s earlier outdoor production of Macbeth, recontextualizing key scenes for a younger, tech-savvy demographic. This effort marks the first of four pilot projects under PAM, an initiative led by NAC that aims to investigate the evolution of artistic expression in digital contexts. The launch followed a series of workshops facilitated by TBWA, which united creatives from both the technology and arts sectors.
Collaboration with Educational Objectives
The NAC, in partnership with TBWA, played a significant role in facilitating SRT’s collaboration with Metakey, ensuring that the project aligned strategically with educational goals. “Macbeth on Roblox” is designed to serve as a valuable supplementary tool for educators, aligning with the Ministry of Education’s learning outcomes for English literature at both lower and upper secondary levels. This game aims to enhance teachers’ ability to cultivate a richer understanding and appreciation of Shakespeare’s works, along with literature in general. According to TBWA, “Macbeth on Roblox” is expected to amass over half a million play sessions in the upcoming year, introducing a new approach to classical theatre and its engagement with future audiences.
Innovation and Engagement in the Arts
Victor Ang, the director of technology and innovation at NAC, emphasized that Project Arts Metaverse allows artists and cultural organizations to innovate and explore, transforming the virtual landscape to offer audiences fresh and interactive ways to engage with the arts. He highlighted that this adaptation of Macbeth showcases the collaborative spirit fostered by the Alliance for Action (AfA) framework, bridging efforts across public, private, and community sectors.
Bridging Live Theatre and Digital Worlds
Charlotte Nors, SRT’s managing director, expressed that the initiative was motivated by the need to connect live theatre with the digital environments frequented by younger audiences. She noted that the youth spend considerable time online, often in gaming spaces, presenting a unique opportunity to introduce theatre into these digital realms and ignite interest in the arts among young people.
Embracing Disruption for Greater Accessibility
Melissa Daniels, head of innovation at TBWA\Asia and TBWA\Singapore, remarked on the potential of ‘Disruption’ to forge significant connections. She explained that exploring new digital avenues can dismantle traditional barriers, aligning with their mission to enhance accessibility to art and culture for emerging generations.
Metaverse Initiatives in Singapore
While Singaporean brands and agencies have previously ventured into the metaverse using platforms like Roblox, the educational angle of “Macbeth on Roblox” brings a refreshing perspective. In 2023, during the peak popularity of Roblox, Changi Airport Group (CAG) launched ChangiVerse in collaboration with Accenture, offering audiences a novel way to engage with the airport’s attractions in a digital format. Later that year, DBS introduced DBS BetterWorld, a metaverse initiative focusing on gamification for social good, emphasizing sustainability and food waste reduction.
