Rossum’s Universal Robots is a science fiction play written by Karel Capek and directed by Robrecht Herfkens. It is a four act play with two intervals, lasting about two and a half hours.
This production is set in the past and the main actors really set the tone of the era. Tod Trotman is amazing at delivering continuous dialogue and does a remarkable job with his mannerisms to capture the era. Candice Preston, who plays Helena Glory, is passionate and does a wonderful job with her expressions. She makes the audience feel included with her dialogue. The production includes a wide cast of all ages and the robots do a magnificent job at making you feel on the edge of your seat as they begin to take over the world. The performance of Radius, played by Stephan Pfister, is unnerving. The actors who play the group of managers continue acting in the background, creating realism to the scene. The way they portray the characters after the interval makes them believably older.
Both the set and costumes also do a wonderful job of setting the era. The set painting is a work of art and in between acts, there are massive changes to the impressive set build, giving the audience plenty to look at. The interior and exterior set is very unique, allowing the audience to view both sets at the same time. Lighting changes are infrequent but effective, especially towards the end, when there is a short strobe light sequence. The costumes are simple but effective. The robots wear simple white jumpsuits and the humans wear dresses and suits. As time passes throughout the performance, the costumes and hair changes reflect the passage of time.
Music is scarce but when it is played, our attention is drawn to it. Sound effects during the performance surround the audience, making us feel included. During the intervals, robotic-like music is played for our entertainment and during the second interval, the theater becomes immersive with the theatre staff dressing up as the robots.
It is very interesting to think about how this play was written in the 1920s but still captures the issues of A.I. that are rising today. I think it was an excellent choice of the theatre to choose this play (and to keep it in the era it was written, as opposed to reimagining it in our future) as the themes are still relatable and it is interesting to see how the robot takeover was envisioned in the past. This is a great show for the science fiction lovers among us.
Rossum’s Universal Robots is playing at Roxy Lane Theatre on May 23rd, 24th, 29th, 30th, 31st and June 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th.
To book tickets to R.U.R. (Rossum’s Universal Robots), please visit https://www.taztix.com.au/event/roxylanetheatre/.
