IN BRIEF
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The world of interactive entertainment is set to witness a transformational leap as Zar Amir, acclaimed Iranian actress and director, takes on the role of Lady Macbeth in ‘Lili’, the first video game adaptation from the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC). This innovative project, developed in collaboration with New York indie studio iNK Stories, explores the iconic Shakespearean tale through a contemporary lens, immersing players in a neo-noir depiction of modern Iran. The unique combination of live-action cinema and interactive gameplay emphasizes themes of political ambition and personal compromise, redefining the boundaries of storytelling in the gaming landscape.
‘Lili’ is a groundbreaking interactive video game that marks the Royal Shakespeare Company’s (RSC) debut into the world of gaming. Set to feature Zar Amir, the acclaimed Iranian actress and director, in the iconic role of Lady Macbeth, the game transports Shakespeare’s themes into a contemporary, stylized world. In collaboration with the New York indie studio iNK Stories, ‘Lili’ reimagines the classic tale in a neo-noir version of modern Iran, where players will immerse themselves in a narrative filled with political tension and personal ambition.
A Revolutionary Interpretation of a Classic
‘Lili’ takes the timeless story of Macbeth and reshapes it, placing Lady Macbeth, played by Zar Amir, at the center of the narrative. The game is designed to blend live-action cinema with interactive gameplay, offering players unprecedented opportunities to shape the story’s outcome. Within the confines of an authoritarian society, players will navigate a landscape infused with spying and surveillance, true to the realities of contemporary life in Iran. This dynamic approach allows players to become part of Lili’s journey, making impactful decisions that will influence her fate.
Setting and Gameplay Mechanics
The world of ‘Lili’ is a unique blend of tradition and modernity, where Macbeth’s witches are transformed into hackers manipulated by surveillance technologies. Players will utilize cyber tools to interact with the environment, drawing parallels to the game’s themes of control and rebellion. The innovative mechanics not only enhance the storytelling experience but also provide insight into the modern struggles faced by individuals in oppressive systems. This fusion of technology into the narrative invites players to reflect on the implications of power dynamics in their own lives.
Zar Amir’s Role and Significance
Zar Amir’s performance as Lady Macbeth, or Lili, brings a fresh perspective to a well-known character. After earning the Best Actress award at Cannes for her performance in Holy Spider, Amir steps into this role with a unique blend of gravitas and intensity. Her portrayal aims to explore themes of gender, identity, and power from a distinctly modern viewpoint. This radical shift not only brings attention to the character of Lili but also transforms how audiences perceive the narrative structure of Shakespeare’s works.
Insights from Adaptation Specialists
The adaptation of this classic play into a video game format presents both challenges and opportunities. Emma Smith, an RSC board member, emphasizes that ‘Lili’ retains the essence of Shakespearean exploration while radically altering its setting and context. She notes that the themes of shady political ambition and personal compromise resonate strikingly with contemporary audiences, illustrating how Shakespeare would indeed have embraced the medium of gaming had he lived in today’s world. The collaboration between RSC and iNK Stories stands as a testament to the transformative power of storytelling, bridging the gap between literature and modern entertainment.
Development and Release Expectations
‘Lili’ is currently in the development phase and is expected to be released later this year across multiple gaming platforms. The anticipation surrounding the game’s launch is amplified by the innovative concept and unique storytelling methods employed in its design. As the RSC embarks on this ambitious project, the potential for interactive storytelling in video games continues to expand, paving the way for new methods of engagement with classic literature.
A Look Ahead
With the game’s premise firmly rooted in a neo-noir aesthetic and its intriguing blend of technology, both the RSC and iNK Stories aim to redefine how audiences engage with Shakespeare’s work. The interactive element of ‘Lili’ ensures that players will not only witness the story unfold but will actively participate in guiding its trajectory. As this groundbreaking project nears its release, it promises to offer a compelling experience that revitalizes a classic tale for a modern audience.
For further insights on this revolutionary adaptation, you can check out sources like RSC’s official announcement and the coverage by NY Morning Star.
Key Elements of ‘Lili’
Feature | Details |
Developer | Royal Shakespeare Company in collaboration with iNK Stories |
Setting | Neo-noir version of modern Iran under surveillance |
Protagonist | Zar Amir as Lady Macbeth (Lili) |
Gameplay Style | Mix of live-action cinema and interactive storytelling |
Thematic Focus | Political ambition, personal compromise, and identity under tyranny |
Witches’ Reimagining | As hackers and cyber-infiltration tools |
Release Date | Scheduled for later this year |
Production Company | Alambic Production co-producing with iNK Stories |
Awards | Zar Amir won Best Actress at Cannes 2022 |
Zar Amir Takes the Lead in ‘Lili’
In a groundbreaking venture, Iranian actress and director Zar Amir is set to portray Lady Macbeth in ‘Lili’, marking the Royal Shakespeare Company’s first-ever foray into the world of video games. This innovative interactive experience, produced in collaboration with New York-based indie studio iNK Stories, brings a fresh and contemporary twist to the iconic Shakespearean tale.
Introducing ‘Lili’
‘Lili’ reimagines the classic play in a neo-noir setting, placed in modern Iran. The game’s narrative revolves around the theme of surveillance, where an authoritarian state influences daily life. Players will navigate through a world where Lady Macbeth, portrayed by Zar Amir, faces choices that will ultimately shape her destiny. The incorporation of live-action cinema into gameplay creates a unique experience for players, blending traditional storytelling with interactive elements.
A Modern Interpretation of a Timeless Classic
The adaptation of Macbeth sees the witches transformed into hackers, introducing elements of cyber-infiltration and surveillance cameras. This contemporary angle highlights the gripping themes of political ambition and personal compromise, evoking the struggles faced under tyranny—paralleling today’s societal issues. The adaptation is described as “both utterly Shakespearean, and radically defamiliarized,” ensuring the timelessness of the original play resonates with modern audiences.
The Team Behind ‘Lili’
Under the direction of the esteemed Royal Shakespeare Company, co-artistic directors Daniel Evans and Tamara Harvey emphasize the importance of storytelling in gaming as a medium that mirrors the essence of theater. They highlight the transformative focus on Lady Macbeth’s perspective, reshaping discussions around gender, identity, and power within the narrative framework.
Zar Amir’s Achievements
Zar Amir’s stellar performance garnered her the Best Actress award at Cannes in 2022 for her role in Ali Abbasi’s film Holy Spider. Following that success, she took on a directing role with the upcoming Tatami, showcasing her diverse talents in the entertainment industry. Her role in ‘Lili’ is poised to further highlight her artistic range in a novel format.
The Vision of iNK Studios
Renowned for their award-winning game 1979 Revolution: Black Friday, iNK Studios brings a wealth of experience to this collaborative project. Their previous works have received critical acclaim, showcasing their ability to weave compelling narratives with interactive gameplay. The anticipated ‘Lili’ promises to push the boundaries of storytelling in video games.
Release Information
‘Lili’ is currently in development and is expected to make its debut later this year across multiple gaming platforms. As the Royal Shakespeare Company embraces this new medium, enthusiasts and gamers alike are eager to explore the innovative interpretation of one of the Bard’s most complex characters.
Zar Amir Takes the Lead in ‘Lili’: Key Aspects of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s First-Ever Video Game Adaptation
- Title: Lili
- Role: Lady Macbeth played by Zar Amir
- Production: Royal Shakespeare Company & iNK Stories
- Setting: Neo-noir version of modern Iran
- Gameplay Style: Interactive, mixing live-action and choice-based elements
- Theme: Political ambition, personal compromise under tyranny
- Witches Reimagined: As hackers and surveillance tools
- Release Date: Expected later this year
- Previous Work of Zar Amir: Cannes Best Actress for ‘Holy Spider’
- Co-Production: Alambic Production based in Paris
The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) is diving into the realm of interactive entertainment with its inaugural video game adaptation titled Lili. This exciting venture features the acclaimed Iranian actress and director Zar Amir in the role of Lady Macbeth, also known as Lili. Set in a stylized, neo-noir version of modern Iran, the game transforms Shakespeare’s timeless narrative through the lens of contemporary themes such as surveillance and authoritarianism, creating an immersive experience that encourages player agency.
The Concept Behind Lili
Lili offers a groundbreaking interpretation of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy, Macbeth, by placing Lady Macbeth at the forefront of the narrative. The game unfolds in a dystopian Iran where oppressive surveillance is an everyday reality. Players will step into the shoes of Lili, navigating a world filled with digital threats and moral ambiguity. Unlike traditional adaptations, this interactive format combines live-action cinema with gameplay that lets players make significant choices affecting the storyline and Lili’s fate.
The Role of Zar Amir
Bringing a fresh perspective to the character of Lady Macbeth is Zar Amir, whose remarkable performance earned her the Best Actress award at Cannes in 2022 for her role in Holy Spider. Her complete immersion in the role of Lili is anticipated to resonate deeply with players, showcasing her ability to convey complex emotions and drive the narrative forward. Amir’s involvement is pivotal, as her insights and experiences enhance the authenticity and depth of the character in this modern adaptation.
Innovative Gameplay Mechanics
The gameplay of Lili introduces players to a world where traditional elements of Shakespeare’s story are intricately woven with modern technological themes. The iconic witches from Macbeth are reimagined as hackers, while surveillance cameras and cyber tools become instruments of both control and resistance. This blend of live-action sequences and interactive choices offers an engaging experience where players can delve into the psychological and political dimensions of the narrative, offering a nuanced take on gender, power, and identity issues.
The Collaboration of RSC and iNK Stories
This project marks the RSC’s entry into the gaming industry, made possible through their collaboration with New York’s iNK Stories. Known for their thought-provoking title 1979 Revolution: Black Friday, iNK Stories’ expertise in creating immersive narrative experiences aligns perfectly with the RSC’s vision for Lili. This partnership aims to redefine storytelling in gaming by combining theatrical artistry with interactive elements, ensuring that players have a meaningful and multifaceted experience.
Through Lili, the Royal Shakespeare Company embarks on an innovative journey of blending classical literature with modern gameplay. The selection of Zar Amir as the lead and the transformative setting of contemporary Iran drive home the message of timeless tales that adapt and evolve, demonstrating that great stories can be experienced in diverse and interactive formats.
FAQ: Zar Amir Takes the Lead in ‘Lili’
What is ‘Lili’? ‘Lili’ is an interactive video game adaptation produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) in collaboration with iNK Stories, set to reimagine Shakespeare’s classic play ‘Macbeth’.
Who is starring in ‘Lili’? Iranian actress and director Zar Amir, known for her roles in ‘Holy Spider’ and ‘Tatami’, will portray the character of Lady Macbeth, also known as Lili.
What makes ‘Lili’ unique? ‘Lili’ is unique as it creates a neo-noir setting in modern Iran, incorporating elements of surveillance and technological domination, while allowing players to shape the story through their choices.
How will gameplay be structured? The gameplay will combine live-action cinema with interactive storytelling, giving players the opportunity to influence Lili’s fate through their decisions.
What themes will ‘Lili’ explore? The game will explore themes of political ambition, personal compromise, and the effects of tyranny, paralleling the original themes found in Shakespeare’s work.
What is the release date for ‘Lili’? ‘Lili’ is currently in development and is slated for release later this year across multiple gaming platforms.
Who are the producers involved in ‘Lili’? The game is being co-produced by Zar Amir’s Paris-based Alambic Production and the Royal Shakespeare Company.
What previous works are associated with iNK Stories? iNK Stories is recognized for its award-winning game ‘1979 Revolution: Black Friday’, an interactive experience centered on the Iranian Revolution.
How does ‘Lili’ redefine Lady Macbeth’s character? By centering the narrative around Lady Macbeth instead of Macbeth, ‘Lili’ transforms the questions of gender, identity, and power within the story, providing a fresh perspective.
Will there be any live-action elements in the game? Yes, ‘Lili’ will integrate live-action sequences to create a visually engaging and immersive experience for players.

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