Shakespeare's Macbeth Reimagined: A Neo-Noir Screen-Life Thriller Set in Modern Iran

The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) is venturing into uncharted territory with its first video game, a unique adaptation of Macbeth. Collaborating with iNK Stories, this project, titled Lili, reinterprets the classic tale through an innovative blend of live-action and interactive storytelling. Set in contemporary Iran, Lili explores themes of authoritarian oppression and gendered struggles, offering players an immersive experience that challenges traditional narratives. The game aims to engage a broader audience by placing them at the center of a story rich in drama and moral complexity.

Transforming Classic Literature into Interactive Storytelling

Lili represents a significant departure from conventional adaptations of Macbeth. By setting the narrative in modern-day Iran, the developers have created a fresh perspective on the timeless tale. The protagonist, inspired by Lady Macbeth, is portrayed by Zar Amir Ebrahimi, a Cannes Best Actress winner. This character serves as a bridge between Shakespeare’s original work and contemporary issues, particularly those faced by women in Iran. The game combines elements of neo-noir and thriller genres, providing a unique "screen-life" experience where the story unfolds on the player's desktop. The developers emphasize the importance of accessibility, aiming to attract players who might not traditionally engage with video games.

The concept for Lili emerged from the desire to explore how Shakespeare’s stories can transcend time and culture. Navid Khonsari, co-founder of iNK Stories, highlights the richness of Shakespearean texts and the potential they offer for interactive storytelling. The team worked closely with dramaturges and Shakespeare scholars, including Emma Smith, to ensure the game honors the thematic depth of the original play. By focusing on the core elements of ambition, power, and morality, Lili offers players a deeply engaging and thought-provoking experience. The game's narrative structure allows for exploration and interaction, inviting players to make choices that influence the outcome of the story. This approach not only preserves the essence of Macbeth but also introduces new layers of complexity and relevance to today’s audiences.

Blending Theatre and Gaming: A New Frontier for Storytelling

The development of Lili marks a significant intersection between theatre and gaming. Vassiliki Khonsari, co-founder of iNK Stories, explains that the game draws inspiration from the interactive nature of live performances. Just as theatre engages the audience in real-time, Lili provides players with agency within the story. The non-linear structure of games allows for a more immersive and dynamic experience compared to traditional linear media like films. The developers sought to create a world where players can fully invest themselves, making choices that shape the narrative. This approach aligns with the evolving cultural landscape, where audiences increasingly seek interactive and participatory forms of entertainment.

In Lili, players assume the role of a hacker tasked with infiltrating Lili’s digital world. Through live-action sequences, players navigate a web of surveillance, dark web activities, and government control. The game’s moral ambiguity mirrors the complexities of Macbeth, allowing players to explore different paths and outcomes. The witches from Macbeth are reimagined as agents of chaos and information control, reflecting the current socio-political climate in Iran. The developers note that while the game was in development before the 2022 protests, these events added a layer of urgency and relevance to the story. Ultimately, Lili demonstrates the enduring power of Shakespeare’s works and their ability to resonate across different mediums and cultures. As Emma Smith suggests, if Shakespeare were alive today, he might well be writing for gaming, a medium that captures the complexity and richness of his stories in new and exciting ways.