R.U.R.

Karel Capek’s classic R.U.R. originated the word “robot,” and for nearly a hundred years, the play has been considered a classic, translated into every major language on the face of the planet. The plot is centered on a factory that makes artificial beings used in the service of humans. While at first these “robots” seem content with their function as domestic servants, a hostile rebellion soon arises that threatens the very existence of the human race. Lee Eric Shackleford’s adaptation brings the play’s characters, language, and themes into a modern vernacular while remaining as faithful as possible to ?apek’s intentions and vision. R.U. R was first seen in NYC in 1922 where it ran on Broadway for 184 performances and featured Spencer Tracy and Pat O’Brien as robots in their Broadway debuts. It has rarely been produced in New York since.