R.U.R. (Rossum's Universal Robots)

When a scientist gives factory-produced, biological “replicants” the ability to feel pain, everything begins to slip out of the humans’ control. As humans lose the ability to reproduce and the robots become resentful of their position, the survival of humanity and humankind are at stake. Written over a century ago, R.U.R. gave the world the word “robot” and began the line of speculative performance continued by films like The Terminator and Bicentennial Man, the Westworld television series, and more! This popular play is “a sensation” (The Wall Street Journal) you don’t want to miss! Features students from JMU’s School of Theatre and Dance. Join us for a pre-show panel discussion on Friday, April 28 at 7:15 pm with guest JMU Faculty in Forbes Center Room 1201. Topics will include recent developments in artificial intelligence, climate science, the history of R.U.R., and some of the ways that robots fit into the university curriculum at JMU.

Contains violence, gun violence and haze.