R.U.R. (Rossum’s Universal Robots)
by Karel Čapek
Translated by Paul Selver and Nigel Playfair
R.U.R. (Rossum’s Universal Robots) is a science-fiction drama that was first presented in the original Czech version in January 1921. It introduced the term “robot”, which is derived from a Czech word meaning “worker,” to international vocabulary.
The action opens in a factory that has successfully produced thousands of robots, who are essentially mindless drones. An idealistic humanitarian activist launches a plan to imbue some of the robots with human traits. The robots which have been humanized then assume leadership over the other robots and eventually seek to organize them in a revolution to take over the world.
Cast
Narrator—Laura Richcreek
Harry Domin/A Servant—John Burlinson
Sulla/Nana/Helena (robot)—Kristina Rothe
Marius/Radius—Tom Saer
Helena Glory—Susan Iannucci
Dr. Gall/First Robot—Denis Daly
Mr Fabry/Primus—Patrick Barker
Dr Hallemeier/Third Robot—Marty Krz
Mr Alquist—John Burlinson
Consul Busman/Second Robot—Alan Weyman
Audio edited by Denis Daly
