Rossum's Universal Robots
March 28 - April 13, 2025

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In the not-too-distant future, a company called Rossum’s Univeral Robots has developed artificially intelligent, autonomous laborers known as “robots” (derived from the Czech word “Robota,” which means “forced labor”). The robots soon begin to develop their own desires and interests, understanding concepts such as servitude and love, and ultimately deciding that they no longer wish to be under their human masters’ thumb. Will the robots be victorious in their fight for freedom or will the humans maintain control over their creation?  Tune in to find out in this exciting and timely sci-fi melodrama!

 

Although written in 1920 and first performed in 1921, the themes of artificial intelligence, man’s complicated relationship with technology and the role it plays in our moral development, and what it means to be human are not only universal but very timely in the era of social media, the rise of “large language model” AI systems, and the ongoing struggle of minorities to achieve equal representation and regard in our society at large. This play is culturally significant, not only because of its themes but also because it was for this play that Čapek coined the term “robot,” a word that has become a staple not only of science fiction but has become deeply ingrained in the fabric of our social discourse around technology.

 

Directed by Jason Wyatt

 

Drama by Karel Čapek