The folks at Singapore Repertory Theatre didn’t just bring Macbeth to life in its latest Shakespeare in the Park production, but into the virtual world of Roblox too.
Think you can experience Shakespeare’s plays through theatre productions and movie adaptations? Think again. Singapore Repertory Theatre (SRT) has truly outdone itself this time by recreating the world of Shakespeare’s Macbeth in Roblox’s virtual realm!
Something wicked (and cool) this way comes…
Macbeth on Roblox is the digital accompaniment for SRT’s Shakespeare in the Park – Macbeth show, created specially for teens. I personally think that this is a fantastic way to introduce Shakespeare to teens and young adults, as it presents the Bard’s Scottish play in a format that’s relevant and engaging for them. Proof that Shakespeare’s plays are anything but boring.
Plus, it’s mentioned that the game is designed with careful reference to Singapore Ministry of Education’s learning outcomes for the Literature in English subject that’s offered in local secondary schools. SRT even worked closely with the National Arts Council to make Macbeth on Roblox a material that teachers can use in the classroom, so students can actually put themselves in the shoes (or boots) of the main character.
I’ll admit it, as a former English literature student myself, I’m super jealous that students now have this learning experience!
Of course, we had to try it out – and here’s what we think.
If you’re familiar with the plot of Macbeth, you’ll know that there are some violent and scary scenes in the play (the three witches, murder, battle, etc.). As a mum, I’m curious as to how Macbeth on Roblox would present these instances since it has a ‘mild’ maturity label. After all, no mum would be happy with their teens playing a violent game, even if it does offer insights into a literary text they’re studying in school.
Without giving too much of the game away, you enter the game by playing Macbeth’s character, following Lady Macbeth’s instructions to retrieve the dagger and assassinate the king. This is where the game has swordfighting instances, but as stated in the maturity label, it’s mild violence and not gory at all.
But what really captured my attention was the fantastic voice acting, and the fact that the actual lines from the play are used. It really makes learning about Macbeth an immersive experience, as students get to experience the main character’s moral conflict and the gravity of events.
One of our Gen-Z writers, who is a seasoned Roblox player, tried the game out as well and found it quite intuitive. Like me, he was impressed with the voice acting, but remarked that the lines were too long, so much so that he kept skipping them.
Overall, it’s an interesting initiative; and I personally would like to continue playing it (during non-working hours, of course). However, I do think it’s suitable for students in upper secondary due to the mildly violent content and eerieness of the game.
Macbeth on Roblox is available for play now
Teens who are into Roblox, or those taking Literature in English, may really enjoy this game. Only Act Two of Macbeth on Roblox is available for playing right now, but fret not, SRT will be updating the game pretty soon.
But don’t limit the experience to just gaming, make it a family affair by bringing them to catch Shakespeare in the Park – Macbeth too. The show runs on Tuesdays to Sundays at 7.30pm from now till 1 June 2025 in Fort Canning Park, with ticket price starting at $60 per pax.
This post is in partnership with Singapore Repertory Theatre.
