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R.U.R. (Rossum's Universal Robots)

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About this listen

R.U.R. (Rossum's Universal Robots)

by Karel Čapek

Translated by Paul Selver and Nigel Playfair

R.U.R. (Rossum's Universal Robots) is a science-fiction drama that was first presented in the original Czech version in January 1921. It introduced the term "robot", which is derived from a Czech word meaning "worker," to international vocabulary.

The action opens in a factory that has successfully produced thousands of robots, who are essentially mindless drones. An idealistic humanitarian activist launches a plan to imbue some of the robots with human traits. The robots which have been humanized then assume leadership over the other robots and eventually seek to organize them in a revolution to take over the world.

Cast

Narrator—Laura Richcreek

Harry Domin/A Servant—John Burlinson

Sulla/Nana/Helena (robot)—Kristina Rothe

Marius/Radius—Tom Saer

Helena Glory—Susan Iannucci

Dr. Gall/First Robot—Denis Daly

Mr Fabry/Primus—Patrick Barker

Dr Hallemeier/Third Robot—Marty Krz

Mr Alquist—John Burlinson

Consul Busman/Second Robot—Alan Weyman

Audio edited by Denis Daly

Public Domain (P)2022 Voices of Today Drama & Plays European Fiction Science Fiction World Literature Robotics Technology
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This whole "audiobook" is made like a screenplay for theatre, definitely not a proper audiobook!

This is not audiobook!

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Fun and short drama. Interesting to hear the story that introduced the term 'Robot' to the world. The story has made a huge impact on modern day sci-fi stories.

Robots conquer the world

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R.U.R. is, of course, a seminal work. Unfortunately this mess doesn't do it justice. it is neither audiobook nor play, it's closer to a recorded rehearsal.

Stage directions are read out, including those which would be better conveyed through sounds effects. The exception to that rule being the sound of a telephone ringing, which throws the peculiar choice not to use other sound effects into stark relief.

Nor is it performed with consistent skill. Emotional affectation is incongruous to the context and one performer in particular chose to adopt a voice which would better suit some farce of period drama!

Karel Ĉapek's work deserved better.

A confusion of intent

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