eXtended Reality Black Theatre

Super Ancient. Super Futuristic.

With portable motion capture systems and real-time game engine environments, we create immersive live performances of First Peoples' stories and art, experienced across multiple modalities – from traditional theatres to remote communities, virtual worlds to art galleries and more.

XRBT Performance

Artwork by Elaine Russell

About XRBT

Founded in 2025 by Troy Russell (Biripi/Kamilaroi), eXtended Reality Black Theatre (XRBT) transforms how live performance is created, shared, and experienced – blending extended reality technology with rich cultural storytelling and art. Using a portable motion capture (mocap) system and real-time game engine environments, we create immersive theatre performances that can be experienced across multiple formats – from traditional theatres to remote communities, virtual worlds to art galleries, and more.

At the heart of the model is a single, high-quality piece of live motion-captured content that adapts seamlessly across six layers of delivery (see below). Whether live on stage or inside a VR headset, the story remains the same while expanding access and reach.

This approach allows us to tour, scale, and future-proof performance art – bringing First Peoples-led storytelling and art to local, national, and global audiences in dynamic and inclusive new ways. Ultimately, our goal is to be ready with lots of high quality live First Peoples content when lightweight immersive AR/VR glasses are readily available to mainstream audiences. Super ancient, super futuristic.

We are creating a platform where traditional narratives meet cutting-edge technology, allowing audiences to experience theatre not just as spectators, but as participants — in their homes, on their streets, in their communities.

Our vision is to:

  • Amplify Black voices through culturally rooted, immersive storytelling
  • Democratize access to theatre by removing barriers of space, cost, and venue
  • Preserve and reimagine oral traditions using AR tools and spatial performance
  • Empower Black artists to explore new creative frontiers in XR, without losing the heart of their craft


Multiple Layers of Live Performance

Layer 1

Live In-Theatre Performance

A live show in theatres – large or small – using projection mapping and surround sound. Thanks to our portable mocap system, the show can tour and be set up in under an hour.

Layer 2

Remote community & on-country performance

Performers remain in our Sydney studio, while team members travel to communities with laptops and VR headsets. The show is live, streamed into a virtual space (this is not video streaming, rather live real-time virtual space interaction).

Layer 3

Online virtual performance

Fully live performances staged within a virtual world, similar to events in Fortnite game worlds – but unlike many of those, our shows are performed live in real time, each time.

Layer 4

VR gallery installation

A single-person headset experience in a gallery setting. Recorded mocap performances drive an immersive, interactive virtual theatre experience.

Layer 5

Playable Game

A full game version of the experience, building on the VR installation. It’s downloadable and playable, designed as a standalone interactive world.

Layer 6

AR/VR future theatre

A vision of future theatre where audiences wear lightweight AR/VR glasses. When that day arrives, we’ll be ready – with lots of high quality First Peoples-led content.

Our People

Troy Russell

Troy Russell

Founder & Artistic Director

Biripi/Kamilaroi

Troy is a composer, musician, film- and theatre-maker who founded XRBT to bring ancient storytelling traditions and cutting-edge immersive technology to live theatre.

Adam Nash

Adam Nash

Artistic Technical Director

Ally

Adam is an internationally recognised mixed-reality artist, performer and composer who brings his decades-long experience in live performance and extended-reality art to XRBT.

Tim Leha

Tim Leha

Producer, Media Specialist

Kamilaroi/Tongan

An independent producer and indigenous media specialist working in cross-platform media for decades, Tim brings his experience in community organising, curation, events and storytelling to XRBT.

Mark 'Munk' Ross

Mark 'Munk' Ross

Composer, Consultant

Jardwadjali/Wotjobulak

Known as the grandfather of Indigenous Hip Hop, Munk brings his wealth of experience in music production and digital technology to XRBT.

Brent Watkins

Brent Watkins

Performer

Gunnai Kurni/Noongar/Yamatji

Brent is a dancer (traditional/hip hop), didgeridoo player, visual artist, and educator, known for his contributions to Melbourne's cultural arts scene.

Dylan Singh

Dylan Singh

Performer

Wiradjuri

A second generation circus performer with a passion for cultural practice, Dylan brings a desire to help audiences learn and celebrate Aboriginal culture, struggles, and triumphs.

Get in Touch

Visit Us

c/- Moogahlin Performing Arts
245 Wilson St Eveleigh NSW Australia 2015

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