Rossum’s Universal Robots

R.U.R. or “Rossum’s Universal Robots” was written in 1920 by Czech writer Karel Čapek. He is credited with introducing the word “robot” to the world. A foundational science fiction text, the play imagines a future where robots have a place in every facet of human life—domestic, labor, agriculture, transportation, war, and more. Eventually, the robots take over and destroy every human on Earth.

R.U.R. mirrors the current rise of AI in contemporary society, serving as an analysis and a warning. While working on this play, we will have the opportunity to analyze the similarities and differences of the advent of a potentially dangerous technology in 1920s Europe versus today.

The Bard College Theater & Performance Program
presents

Rossum’s Universal Robots
by Playwright Karel Capek
Translation by Claudia Novack
Directed by Dara Malina

Set Design by Aoshuang Zhang
Costume Design by Karen Boyer
Lighting Design by Daisy Long
Sound Design by Evdoxia Ragkou