R.U.R. Rossum’s Universal Robots
written by Bo List
freely adapted from the play by Karel Čapek
Directed by Artistic Director Brian Pastor
Dates: May 2, 2025 - June 15, 2025
In 1920, Karel Čapek’s early science fiction classic R.U.R. coined the term “robot” and looked ahead to the wonders and dangers of artificial intelligence decades before it was cool to worry about such things. “Rossum’s Universal Robots” (“R.U.R.” for short) is a mysterious island factory that manufactures artificial human beings, run by the eccentric scientist Harry Rossum. When Helena Glory arrives to advocate for the rights of these machines, a series of events is set into motion that sees Harry and Helena married against the backdrop of a global robot uprising.
Cast
(click on the photo for more information)
Crew
Brian Pastor, Director
Bo Peck, Writer
Hazel Flower McCabe, Stage Manager
Lighting Design
Sound Design
Cast Photographer
Reviews
"All in all, R.U.R. provides the most LOLs I’ve ever had watching the downfall of civilization."
"The entire cast is excellent: Bryan Breau is charmingly buffoonish as the capitalist nepo baby Harry Rossum; Madelyn Loehr is delightful as the naive idealist Helena Glory; Brian Parry brings gravitas and hilarity as the sage clerk Alquist; and Alex George gives an excellent and nuanced performance as the recalcitrant robot-turned-revolutionary Sulla."
"Recommended"
Sheri Flanders, Chicago Reader
"City Lit has once again put the polish on an old chestnut of a story that shouldn’t be lost to the past. Highly Recommended."
Colin Douglas, Chicago Theatre Review
"Riots of laughter greeted the City Lit Theater world premiere of R.U.R. (Rossum's Universal Robots)...well directed by Brian Pastor."
Bill Esler, Buzz Center Stage
"Highly Recommended...directed by Brian Pastor, the overall vibe of this production is lighthearted but with a sense of urgency."
Reno Lovison, Chicago Theater and Arts
