Rossum’s Universal Robots

The Bard College Theater & Performance Program R.U.R. or “Rossum’s Universal Robots” was written in 1920 by Czech writer Karel Čapek. He is credited with introducing the word “robot” to the world. A foundational science fiction text, the play imagines a future where robots have a place in every facet of human life—domestic, labor, agriculture, transportation, war, and more. Eventually, the robots take over and destroy every human on Earth. R.U.R. mirrors the current rise of AI in contemporary society, serving as an analysis and a warning. While working on this play, we will have the opportunity to analyze the similarities and differences of the advent of a potentially dangerous technology in 1920s Europe versus today. The Bard College Theater & Performance Program presents Rossum’s Universal Robots by Playwright Karel Capek Translation by Claudia Novack Directed by Dara Malina Set Design by Aoshuang Zhang Costume Design by Karen Boyer Lighting Design by Daisy Long Sound Design by Evdoxia Ragkou Fisher Center, LUMA Theater Fisher Center, LUMA Theater Fisher Center, LUMA Theater Nearby villages and towns in the Hudson Valley boast a large selection of restaurants, as well as a variety of hotels, motels, inns, and bed & breakfasts. Bard College’s main campus is located in Annandale-on-Hudson (a hamlet of Red Hook), New York, on the east bank of the Hudson River, about 90 miles north of New York City and 220 miles southwest of Boston. The Taconic State Parkway and the New York State Thruway provide the most direct routes to our campus. Click the Google map below, or get directions by entering the following address into your GPS: 60 Manor Avenue, Red Hook, NY 12571. From the East If you are traveling from east of the Hudson River in New York State, take the Taconic State Parkway to the Red Hook / Route 199 exit, drive west on Route 199 through the village of Red Hook to Route 9G, turn right onto Route 9G, drive north 1.9 miles, turn left onto Annandale Road, then turn right onto Manor Ave. From the West If you are traveling from west of the Hudson River, take the New York State Thruway (I-87) to exit 19 (Kingston), take Route 209 (changes to Route 199 at the Hudson River) over the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge to Route 9G, turn left onto Route 9G, drive north 3.5 miles, turn left onto Annandale Road, then turn right onto Manor Ave. Accessible Seating Wheelchair-accessible seating is available at all performances. Due to the flexible nature of this performance space, wheelchair seating varies for each production. Wheelchair-Accessible Restrooms Restrooms at all locations are wheelchair accessible. Single-use restrooms are available at most locations. All-Gender Restrooms Bard College and the Fisher Center support guests of any gender identity/expression in using the restroom of their choice. Additionally, all-gender restrooms are available at all venues. Find answers to some of the most common questions patrons have regarding our venues and performances. If you have a question not answered in our FAQs, please call 845-758-7900 or email [email protected] during regular Box Office hours. Our “Know Before You Go” guide answers all of your pre-show accessibility and navigation questions for your next performance at the Fisher Center! Theater & Performance Program