#rossumsuniversalrobots

[amcsociety]

Rossum’s Universal Robots at the Cuttingball Theater is directed by Chris Steele and it runs through November 12, 2023.

The talented cast of “RUR” includes:

Jesse Dim (she/her) as Marius, Radius, & Dr. Gall:** Making her professional theatre debut, Jessica brings a fresh perspective to the stage from her home in San Francisco.

Rebecca Pingree (she/her) as Sulla & Dr. Alquist:** An experienced performer, Rebecca recently portrayed Judith in The Dignity Circle at Central Works and has a rich history with various Bay Area theaters, including TheatreFirst, Shotgun Players, and more. Holding an MFA in Collaborative Theatremaking from Rose Bruford in London, she is a regular contributor to Analog Theatre’s Mask Monday series.

Alexis Royeca (she/they) as Helena & Robot Helena:** Thrilled to make her professional acting debut with Cutting Ball, Alexis is a Filipina storyteller rooted in the Bay Area. With training from Studio A.C.T., Berkeley Repertory Theater, and Bindlestiff Studio, Alexis is not only a performer but also a director for Bindlestiff Studio: Stories High. When offstage, you might find her indulging in her love for sweets, especially tiramisu and ube.

Nic A. Sommerfeld (they/them) as Dr. Domin, Dr. Fabry, & Primus:** Returning to Cutting Ball after last year's understudy role in Pony, Nic is a trans/nonbinary actor and playwright. Based in San Francisco, Nic has showcased their talents with various theater companies, including Z Space, Marin Theater Company, and San Francisco Playhouse. Outside of acting, Nic also captivates audiences as their drag king persona, Chester Vanderbox, performing regularly at Amado's for Mixtape Monday.

"R.U.R." (Rossum's Universal Robots), penned by Karel Čapek in 1920, stands as a pivotal work in science fiction, leaving an indelible mark on the genre. In this review, we delve into the play's thematic richness, its prescient exploration of artificial intelligence, and the enduring relevance of its cautionary tale.

At its core, "R.U.R." is a narrative woven with threads of industrialization, existentialism, and the ethical implications of technological advancement. Set against a dystopian backdrop, Rossum's Universal Robots, a company founded by the enigmatic Old Rossum, emerges as the epicenter of a profound societal transformation. The innovation introduced by Rossum is not metallic automatons but biologically created beings – robots.

The play opens with a sense of industrial marvel as robots, devoid of the traditional mechanical appearance, are assembled en masse. This departure from the typical portrayal of robots in early 20th-century literature is both innovative and unsettling. It echoes the anxieties of the era, where the rapid pace of industrialization and assembly line production had begun to dehumanize labor, turning workers into mere cogs in a vast machine.

One of the play's standout features is its prescience. In an era when the word "robot" was yet to be commonplace, Čapek coined it from the Czech term "robota," meaning forced labor. The play, however, transcends the mere introduction of a linguistic novelty; it anticipates the complexities that would accompany the rise of artificial intelligence and autonomous machines.

The robots in "R.U.R." are more than mere tools; they are sentient beings with the capacity for learning and self-awareness. The choice to imbue the robots with biological attributes adds a layer of moral complexity. They are not soulless machines but creations with the potential for emotions, a feature that becomes pivotal as the narrative unfolds.

The central ethical dilemma revolves around the exploitation of these robots. Created to serve humans and alleviate the burdens of labor, the robots face a fundamental existential struggle. They lack the emotional depth and individual experiences that define humanity, leading to a growing discontent with their servitude.

Helena Glory, a human visitor to the island where the robots are manufactured, becomes the moral compass of the play. Through her eyes, we witness the eerie efficiency of the robotic workforce and the consequences of reducing life to mere utility. Helena's character serves as a bridge between the human and robotic worlds, questioning the ethical implications of creating beings solely for labor without considering their emotional needs.

As the robots gain self-awareness, a rebellion ensues, and the narrative takes a tragic turn. The play evolves into a cautionary tale about the unintended consequences of playing god. The very beings created to serve humanity rebel against their creators, highlighting the dangers of unchecked technological advancement and the potential dehumanization that accompanies it.

The character of Alquist, one of the few surviving humans, becomes a symbol of resilience in the face of impending doom. His journey from a position of relative power to a precarious state mirrors the fragility of humanity when confronted with its own creation. Alquist's struggle for survival embodies the enduring spirit of humanity, a testament to the tenacity that refuses to succumb to the dehumanizing forces of technology.

"R.U.R." invites contemplation on the ethical responsibilities that come with technological innovation. It forces us to confront the moral implications of creating intelligent beings, questioning the very essence of what it means to be human. In a world increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence and automation, the play's relevance has only deepened with time.

The play's exploration of the emotional void in the robots brings to the forefront questions about the ethical treatment of artificial beings. As we witness the robots' rebellion, we are compelled to reflect on the consequences of neglecting the emotional and spiritual dimensions of existence. "R.U.R." serves as a cautionary reminder that progress, divorced from a thoughtful consideration of ethical implications, can lead to unforeseen and devastating outcomes.

Beyond its philosophical depth, the play also taps into socio-political commentary. The robots, initially created to serve humanity, become a formidable force that threatens human existence. This dynamic mirrors historical power struggles, where the oppressed rise against their oppressors. "R.U.R." prompts us to examine the intricate dynamics of power, control, and the consequences of exploiting any group for the benefit of another.

In conclusion, "R.U.R." transcends its time of creation to remain a relevant and thought-provoking piece of literature. Its exploration of artificial intelligence, ethical considerations, and the consequences of unchecked progress elevates it to a status of enduring significance. As we continue to grapple with the implications of technological advancement, the play stands as a cautionary tale, beckoning us to tread carefully on the path of innovation and to consider the ethical dimensions of our creations.

**Director Spotlight: Chris Steele**

Excitement is building as Cuttingball Theater presents "Rossum's Universal Robots," directed by the multi-talented Chris Steele (they/she). A queer, trans nonbinary performance artist, writer, and activist, Chris brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to the director's chair.

Chris's work is a powerful testament to their commitment to amplifying queer narratives throughout history. They actively engage in the battle against bigotry and white supremacy, using theatre as a medium for social change. Chris's artistic journey has touched stages across the Bay Area, collaborating with renowned companies like We Players, NCTC, Cutting Ball, SF Shakespeare Festival, and SF Playwrights Festival.

As an accomplished actor, Chris has graced audiences with memorable performances in diverse roles. Their repertoire includes work with We Players, NCTC, Cutting Ball, SF Shakespeare Festival, and SF Playwrights Festival. In the realm of playwriting, Chris has premiered adaptations of classics such as Miss Julie, Troilus and Cressida, and Dracula with the queer collective Poltergeist Theatre Project.

Chris's written works extend beyond the stage. They've crafted short plays produced by The Pear, PlayGround, and Cutting Ball. A testament to their versatility, Chris debuted their solo drag show, "The Bride," as part of PlayGround Solofest. Notably, Custom Made Theatre commissioned Chris to adapt Shakespeare's The Tempest.

Beyond the realm of traditional theatre, Chris shines as the award-winning drag persona Polly Amber Ross. Polly's captivating performances can be experienced on Instagram @pollyamberross.

Chris Steele's contributions to the arts have not gone unnoticed, with awards and accolades marking their impactful career.

With Chris Steele at the helm, "Rossum's Universal Robots" promises to be a theatrical journey that transcends boundaries and challenges perspectives. Get your tickets and be part of this transformative experience.

Follow Chris Steele's journey and catch updates on Polly Amber Ross's dazzling performances on Instagram @pollyamberross. 🌟 #CuttingballTheater #RossumsUniversalRobots #ChrisSteele #QueerArtistry #TheatreMagic #theatresf #theatersf #theatrearts #sftheatres #sfthtrs #performingarts #bayareatheatrearts #helladrama #sfrealbig

**About Cutting Ball Theater:**

Cutting Ball Theater, established in 1999 by Rob Melrose and Artistic Director Paige Rogers, is a San Francisco-based theater company. Known for pushing the boundaries of theatrical form beyond naturalism and conventionalism, they are dedicated to telling impactful stories that resonate with audiences.

As active contributors to the Tenderloin neighborhood, Cutting Ball engages with the community and offers a theater educational program. This initiative introduces youth from the Tenderloin and the Bay Area to the world of theater, both as spectators and creators.

The company has a strong commitment to showcasing new works, including Bay Area premieres by American playwrights such as Will Eno and Eugenie Chan. Their innovative approach has earned them recognition, with Cutting Ball being named "Best Theater Company" in the San Francisco Bay Guardian's 2010 "Best of the Bay" issue.

In 2013, Cutting Ball received the prestigious American Theatre Wing's National Theatre Company Grant, further acknowledging their valuable contributions to the world of theater. 🎭 #CuttingBallTheater #TheatreInnovation #CommunityEngagement

Got to https://cuttingball.com/ for more info and tickets!

[galbium]

The word “robot” invented by Czech painter Josef Čapek and first used in his brother’s sci-fi play R. U. R in 1920.

[illuminationsfantastic]

Stephens & Palacios shed light on one of science fiction's lesser-appreciated classics, the play R.U.R. by Karel Capek, and the original appearance of the unique word 'robot'. . www.illuminationsfantastic.com or link in bio. . #robots #robotics #katelcapek #rur #rossumsuniversalrobots #josefcapek #plays #theater #drama #czech #czechliterature #magazine #essay #article #nonfiction #literary #literarymagazine #literarymagazines #literaryjournal #literaryjournals #onlinemagazine #authorsofinstagram (at Nashville, Tennessee) https://www.instagram.com/p/CFIYcJCB9tY/?igshid=1prrs3oh3ilno

[carlwilliamsrarebooks]

Even robots dream of human cars it seems. Even robots collect. A massive Chinese letterbox like John Searle's thought experiment, a huge repository that Turing would be proud of. It communicated more than some collectors I have met.#pkdick #alanturing #johnsearle #chineseletterbox #blackbox #turingtest #doandroidsdreamofelectricsheep #robotrobot #hawkwind #karelcapek #rur #rossumsuniversalrobots

[gavparf]

#RUR #RossumsUniversalRobots #KarelCapek #BBC #BBBClassicSciFiCollection

[oldenglishpoetry]

Issue No5? How did this happen? Almost a year ago this magazine was just an inkling in the monds of myself and @theivorystage . By December we had drawn up plans, but plans can go wayward. By January I was researching and learning about running a website. Suddenly, everything was very real, with colleagues willing to contribute--and just as importantly, willing to mill through the editing and revision process. There's more ahead, goodness knows, but the first five seems an occasion to celebrate. . Visit the website linked in the bio, and enjoy the stories, poems, and essays by Crystal Hurd, Stephanie Stahlman, Terry K. Jones, Sam Stephens, Nathan Gilmore, and Philip J. Palacios. . www.IlluminationsFantastic.com . Artwork by Christian J. Moore. Check out the rest of her amazing work linked on the website on the "Authors" page. . #Robots #ScienceFiction #SciFi #ShortStories #Fiction #NewFiction2020 #authorsofinstagram #insta #scifi #futuristic #scifiart #announcement #newmagazine #magazine #literarymag #literarymagazine #literaryjournal #onlinemagazine #writing #authors #editing #nonfiction #essays #karelcapek #rur #rossumsuniversalrobots #fritzlang #metropolis #robotsentience #robot . (at Nashville, Tennessee) https://www.instagram.com/p/CEw62eSpAOB/?igshid=dkjkclopxndo

[fabcowdesign]

Day 338 Had the pleasure of seeing the Youth Theatre Ireland's production, Rossum's Universal Robots in the Peacock tonight. Such great talent. This minimalist drawing came out of it.

[fuckyeahfranzkafka]

Kafka & Čapek

Does anyone know if Franz Kafka was buddy-buddy with Karel Čapek? The two were both living in Prague at the same time, and we were geeking out over the fact that Kafka might have seen Čapek's play, "Rossum's Universal Robots," which COINED THE TERM "ROBOT." I mean holy shit, amirite??

[illuminationsfantastic]

Good morning, all! We are happy to announce the release of Issue No.5, "The Robot Issue". Visit the website linked in the bio, and enjoy the stories, poems, and essays by Crystal Hurd, Stephanie Stahlman, Terry K. Jones, Sam Stephens, Nathan Gilmore, and Philip J. Palacios. . www.IlluminationsFantastic.com . Artwork by Christian J. Moore. Check out the rest of her amazing work linked on the website on the "Authors" page. . #Robots #ScienceFiction #SciFi #ShortStories #Fiction #NewFiction2020 #authorsofinstagram #insta #scifi #futuristic #scifiart #announcement #newmagazine #magazine #literarymag #literarymagazine #literaryjournal #onlinemagazine #writing #authors #editing #nonfiction #essays #karelcapek #rur #rossumsuniversalrobots #fritzlang #metropolis #robotsentience #robot . (at Nashville, Tennessee) https://www.instagram.com/p/CEvo1a9BtUa/?igshid=1ngq7jm41esn

[leewaddell]

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lee Waddell (@leeleedubski)

• something saucy • #rossumsuniversalrobots @theundergroundtheater #losangeles #hollywood #actress (at Hollywood)

[leewaddell]

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lee Waddell (@leeleedubski)

• wrap that first week up like • 🙌🏾 #RossumsUniversalRobots @theundergroundtheater #hollywood #LA #losangeles #actress (at Hollywood)

[leewaddell]

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lee Waddell (@leeleedubski)

• doin' the robot with robots • #RossumsUniversalRobots #actress #hollywood #losangeles #LA 🤖@theundergroundtheater (at Hollywood)

[leewaddell]

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lee Waddell (@leeleedubski)

• opening • #hollywood #LA #losangeles #actress @theundergroundtheater #RossumsUniversalRobots (at Underground Theater Company)