R.U.R.

Playing a robot

R.U.R. (Rossum’s Universal Robots) was my last production of undergrad at James Madison University. This production was extremely special with the rise of AI as this play by Karel Capek coined the term ‘robots.’ Our production was adapted by two of our professors, Dennis Beck and Zachary Dorsey, in order to erase some of the misogynistic ideas and emphasize the risks of automation.

I played Jana, a robot who was part of the revolution. She was a role written into the adaptation which made for some interesting discoveries. Our director, Dennis Beck, had specific rehearsals to work with the robots: How do we move? How do we accomplish simple tasks like opening a door? Do we believe in God(s)? etc. These rehearsals were broken down even more as the robots were all part of different generations who become more human-like the newer they are. Because Jana was a newer generation, my movements for Jana were not as jerky as the first couple of generations. This meant I had to find other ways to show that I was not quite human.

On top of playing Jana, I understudied the other robots. This meant I had to learn not only the lines and blocking, but also the specific movements and thoughts for each generation. Though this was challenging, it was an opportunity I will likely never get again.

Rossum's Universal Robots (R.U.R.)
By Karel Čapek
Translated into English by David Wyllie
Adapted by Dennis C. Beck and Zachary A. Dorsey
Directed by Dennis Beck
Scenic Design by Richard Finkelstein Costume Design by Hannah Jonkers Lighting Design by Mitch Glaes Sound Design by Anna-Lee Craig Properties Design by Abby Kelley and Sophia Tiedt Dramaturg: Zachary A. Dorsey Stage Manager: Juleanna Green Photo by: Richard Finkelstein

Cast
Friedrich Domin: Gavin Kiley
Sulla: Lillian Hall
Marius & U/S Radius: Will Chapman
Helena Glory: Campbell Ella
Fabry: Hannah Easton
Dr. Gall: Abel Haddish
Dr. Hallemeier: Riley Harper
Alquist: Ainsley Steger
Busman: Declan Wood
Nana: Katherine Porter
Radius: Malik Jallow
Talon & U/S Domin: Matt McPherson
Minsky & U/S Helena Glory: Julia Zanardi
Ava & U/S Alquist: Hannah Nicholson
Jana & U/S Robots: Camden Gillespie
Helenova: Jo Shelton
Primus: Evan Campbell
Daemon: Emily Whelen

Crew
Production Manager: Brian Smallwood Technical Director: TJ Hartless Scene Shop Supervisor: Alex Sasse Costume Shop Manager: Kathleen Conery Lighting Shop Supervisor: Catherine Holcomb Properties Shop Supervisor: Sam Bay Assistant Director: Becca Stehle Technical Director Advisor: Lindsey Kelley Costume Designer Advisor: Elizabeth Wislar Lighting Design Advisor: Emily Becher-McKeever Assistant Stage Managers: Caitlin Foster, Jess Hess, Meg Hogan Assistant Sound Designer: Aamirah MacDonald Assistant Dramaturg: Sydney Miller Head Electrician: Alex Tuszynski Costume Shop Foreman: Jenny McNee Costume Shop Overhire: Ryan Woolsey