R.U.R. (Rossum's Universal Robots) at Lakewood Theatre Company

R.U.R. (Rossum’s Universal Robots) originally written by Karel Capek and newly adapted and directed by Matthew B. Zrebski is a futuristic thriller exploring the ethics and decision-making behind robotics and artificial intelligence. Written in 1920, its relevance seems timely in the wake of today’s AI tech revolution.

What happens when our machines start to outsmart us? A robot-making company wants to free humans from all labor by creating life-like intelligent humanoid robots but doesn’t know when to shut the factory down even when things go awry.

Title Sponsor: Lakewood Center Associates.

Set in a futuristic world as envisioned in 1920, there is a mysterious island on which a factory has turned out hundreds of thousands of biologically engineered humanoids that are not mechanical but living automats seemingly without souls, desires, or feelings. The Czech word “robata” means “forced labor,” and indeed the humanoid robots have no choices of their own to make.

The Story: Helena Glory (Taylor Jean Grady) of the Humanity League believes the Humanoid Robots deserve the same rights as humans. In a pivotal meeting with Harry Domin (Matt Sunderland), the general manager of the factory, she realizes the only way to pursue her goals is to marry him and act from the inside of the organization.

But, when Dr. Gall (Brian Trybom), the head of the physiological and experimental departments, secretly changes the design formula, it partially humanizes the newest humanoid models. And when one of Helena’s favorites, Radius (Andrew Tesoriero), malfunctions, she spares him from being discarded, little knowing that Radius is leading a growing revolt.

The talented ensemble for R.U.R. (Rossum’s Universal Robots) includes Jacquelle Davis, Conor Eifler, Stan Smith, Nohad Abbass, Katie “AL” Rodgers, Jereck Flamenco, Margo Schembre, Connor French, Meg Morrigan, and Sammy Martin.

LTC’s production of R.U.R. (Rossum’s Universal Robots) is directed and adapted by Matthew B. Zrebski, set design and props are by Kyra Sanford, light design is by Josh Hauser, costume design is by Laura Helgesen, and original music and sound design is by Matthew B. Zrebski. The stage manager is Aubrey Snowden, the production manager is Kendra Comerford, and the producer is Steve Knox.