Mila versus Metaverse: A Critical Look at the Digital World
amsterdam, maandag, 13 oktober 2025.
During the Fairy Tale Festival, the Posttheater presents the cartoonish theatre production ‘Mila versus Metaverse’. Aimed at children aged eight and above, the story follows the curious Mila who befriends AI bots in the metaverse. The production offers a unique blend of live actors and interactive projections, presenting a critical perspective on the impact of digital technology on young users. Is Mila liberated, lost, or trapped in the digital world? This question resonates with every child.
A Unique Theatre Experience
The theatre production ‘Mila versus Metaverse’ offers a magical and challenging experience that encourages both children and adults to think about the choices we make in a world where digital and real life are increasingly merging. With a unique combination of live actors and interactive projections on a large, transparent projection screen, Mila’s digital world comes to life. The production blends traditional fairy tales with modern technologies such as AI and the metaverse, adding a new dimension to the story [1][3].
Themes and Messages
The story follows the curious Mila, a nine-year-old girl who delves deeper into the digital world. For her, online life is much more exciting and thrilling than the ‘real’ world. Equipped with her VR headset, she plays countless games and experiences boundless adventures without responsibilities. During one of her online adventures, she befriends two AI bots who offer her a tempting proposition: to ‘lend’ her body so she can stay permanently in the digital world. As time passes, Mila discovers that returning to reality is harder than she thought. She faces the big question: is she liberated, lost, or trapped? [1]
Target Audience and Impact
Aimed at children aged eight and above, ‘Mila versus Metaverse’ provides a critical look at the impact of AI and the metaverse on young users. The production encourages children and adults to reflect on the balance between online and offline life. It is an important topic in an era where children are increasingly exposed to digital technologies. The production uses virtual worlds and interactive elements to engage the audience and provide a profound experience [1][3].
Production and Presentation
The production is by De Nutteloze Arbeider van de Onderwereld, a group that stages science fiction and fantasy to view current issues from a different perspective. The director, Jan Jansen, head of the Posttheater, emphasises their aim to show how traditional stories can gain a new dimension through modern technology. The premiere of ‘Mila versus Metaverse’ is scheduled for Thursday, 17 October 2025, and will be performed during the Fairy Tale Festival, which runs from 15 to 21 October 2025 at the Posttheater [1][3][4].
Practical Information
Interested visitors can already purchase a ticket for €8.50 via the Posttheater’s website. The production is a unique way to encourage children and adults to think together about the impact of digital technology on their lives. It is an opportunity to explore and learn about the potential benefits and risks of the metaverse in a safe and supportive environment [1][3].