R.U.R.

R.U.R. (Rossum's Universal Robots)
A play in introductory scene and three acts by Karel apek
Translated into English by David Wyllie.
eBooks@Adelaide
2006
This web edition published by eBooks@Adelaide.
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Last updated Saturday May 20 2006.
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English translation copyright © 2006 David Wyllie.
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Table of Contents

DRAMATIS PERSONAE
Introductory Scene
ACT ONE
ACT TWO
ACT THREE
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 in transit. 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. Domin, the managing director?
Domin: At your service.
Helena: I've come to see