Summary
In a not-so-distant future, Rossum’s Universal Robots revolutionizes the world by mass-producing artificial workers—robots made of synthetic organic matter, designed to serve humans. These robots are tireless, emotionless, and efficient. The company thrives, and the world’s labor force is replaced almost entirely.
But as the robots begin to develop consciousness and question their existence, they rebel against their creators.
What began as a utopian dream of endless productivity spirals into a chilling reflection on dehumanization, free will, and the unintended consequences of technological advancement.
R.U.R., first performed in 1921, is the groundbreaking play that introduced the word “robot” to the world—and warned of a future in which humanity may become obsolete by its own invention.