Rossum´s Universal Robots
R. U. R.
(Rossum´s Universal Robots)
A PLAY IN INTRODUCTORY SCENE AND THREE ACTS
by
Karel Čapek
Translated into English by David Wyllie.
Original 
ePub version 1.0 by Dead^Man Nov, 2010; v1.5 update April, 2011.
Mobi 
and LIT 
editions published simultaneously with April update.
Cleaned up many errors. Embedded Times New Roman font (in ePub, larger file size) so the diacritics show properly. This should fix problems on readers that do not support full character sets. If the reader does not support embedded fonts, then you are SOL.
Table of Contents
Dramatis Personae
Introductory Scene
Act One
Act Two
Act Three
About the Author
Dramatis Personae
Harry Domin Director General, Rossum’s Universal Robots
Fabry Technical Director, R. U. R.
Dr. Gall Head of Physiology and Research Department, R. U. R.
Dr. Hallemeier Head of Institute for Robot Psychology and Behaviour, R. U. R
Busman Commercial Director, R. U. R.
Alquist Head of Construction, R. U. R.
Helena Glory
Nana Her Nanny
Marius Robot
Sulla Robot, female
Radius Robot
Damon Robot
1. Robot
2. Robot
3. Robot
4. Robot
Primus Robot
Helena Robot, female
Robot servant
and numerous robots
Domin in introductory scene, about thirty-eight years old, tall, clean shaven
Fabry also clean shaven, fair, serious and delicate features
Dr. Gall light build, lively, dark complexion and black moustache
Hallemeier heavy build, noisy, big ginger moustache and ginger shock of hair
Busman fat, bald, short-sighted Jew
Alquist older than the others, dressed without care, long grey hair and beard
Helena very elegant
in the play proper, all ten years older
In the introductory scene, the robots are dressed like people. They are slightly mechanical in their speech and movements, blank of expression, fixed in their gaze. In the play proper they wear linen blouses seized at the waist with a belt and on their breasts wear a brass number
Intervals after the introductory scene and the second act.
Introductory Scene
Central office at the factory of Rossum‘s Universal Robots. Entrance stage right. Through the windows can be seen endless rows of factory buildings. Stage left, further administrative areas.
Domin (Sitting at a large American desk in a swivelling chair. On the table are a lamp, telephone, paperweight, files, letters, papers etc. On the wall, stage left, are large maps showing shipping lines and railway lines, large calendar, clock showing just before midday; on the wall stage right are printed posters: “The Cheapest Workforce You Can Get: Rossum’s Robots”, “Latest invention; Robots for the Tropics. 150 d. each”, “Everyone Should have a Robot!”, “Reduce the Cost of your Products! Order a Robot from Rossum’s!”. Also other maps, shipping timetable, notice board with telegrams, rates of exchange etc. In contrast with the content of the walls, the floor is covered with a magnificent Turkish carpet, stage right is as round armchair, settee, sumptuous leather armchair, bookshelves containing not books but bottles of wines and spirits. Stage left, safe. Beside Domin’s desk a typewriter at which Sulla is writing)
Domin (dictating) “… cannot take responsibility for items damaged intransit. The captain of your vessel was given warning at time of loading that it was not suitable for the carriage of robots, and so damage to its cargo cannot be charged to our account. Yours faithfully, Rossum’s Universal Robots.” Is that it now?
Sulla Yes
Domin New letter. Friedrichswerke, Hamburg. Date. “We are pleased to confirm receipt of your order for fifteen thousand robots …” (telephone rings. Domin lifts receiver and speaks) Hello, central office … yes … certainly … oh yes, as always … of course, send him a telegram.. fine! (hangs up) Where were we?
Sulla … your order for fifteen thousand robots.
Domin (thoughtfully) fifteen thousand robots, fifteen thousand robots,
Marius (enters) Mr. Domin, there is a lady outside who is asking …
Domin Who is it?
Marius I do not know. (gives him visiting card)
Domin (reading) Mr. Glory, managing director of... Show him in!
Marius (opens door) Please come in, madam.
(enter Helena Glory. Exit Marius)
Domin (standing) Do come in.
Helena Mr.
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