World-Premiere Adaptation of Sci-Fi Play R.U.R. (or Rossum’s Universal Robots) by Karel Capek
Oct. 9-12, 2024, 7 p.m.
The Oklahoma Center for the Humanities is partnering with local experimental theatre company Riffraff Tulsa to produce a new adaptation of the science fiction play that first introduced the word “robot” to the world.
First staged in 1920, Karel Capek’s R.U.R. (or Rossum’s Universal Robots) follows a billion-dollar company that manufactures robots. The robots are designed to work without feeling, but operations start to shake up once a few units show signs of autonomy.
“At Riffraff, we’re interested in producing work that is experimental, immersive, and collaborative,” says Executive Artistic Director Meagan Mulgrew, who adapted the piece to make it accessible for modern audiences. “I really can’t overstate how influential R.U.R. was when first written and how prophetic its themes are still to this day, with the rising concerns around artificial intelligence and automation. Our production pays respect to Karel Capek and his original text but also breaths new life into the characters in the hopes that they might be more relatable to today’s audiences.”
The production of R.U.R. will take place a week after Robots 101, a discussion panel with UTulsa professors and Mulgrew on the history, culture, and science of robots and how they’re changing the world.
“The Oklahoma Center for the Humanities seeks to connect ideas across histories, cultures, and disciplines while also highlighting the vital role of all the arts in helping us shape a thriving human future,” says OCH Director Sean Latham. “The partnership with Riffraff on R.U.R. helps us understand that robots are nothing new, and instead have a long, complicated cultural history brought vividly to life in the way only live theater can do.”
Mulgrew will direct the production, which includes original music by Zac Fowler, choreography by Kymber Sage, and production design by Brittany Campbell. Local actors Ashe Baileigh, Karol Ellington, Richard Levi Gerber, Avery Marshall, Annie Matthews, Prudence Lloyd, Josiah Parks, Natalia Rojas, Rebecca Roseberry, and Andrew Smith comprise the ensemble cast. Mads Barron will stage manage.
R.U.R. will be staged at 101 E. Archer St. from Oct. 9 through Oct. 12, 2024. Performances begin at 7 p.m. and the show is best enjoyed by viewers older 14 years and older.
With a mission of making theatre accessible to everyone, Riffraff is implementing a “pay-what-you-can” ticket option where attendees can see the show for a minimum of $5 on Oct. 9. Regular ticket prices start at $15. Contributions about $15 will help fund future productions and allow the company to keep the pay-what-you-can model. If you are able afford a regular priced ticket or any other amount above the minimum, Riffraff Tulsa kindly encourages you to purchase the ticket you can afford. You can purchase tickets on Riffraff Tulsa’s website.