The robot revolution is coming, and it’s time to pick a side.
This spring, the Department of Theatre presents Я.U.Robot, an adaptation of Karel Čapek’s 1920s science fiction play R.U.R. about a future where synthetic workers are mass-produced to serve humanity. The concept was chosen by Professor of Theatre and the play’s director Leah Lowe and Writer in Residence of Cinema and Media Arts and Theatre Krista Knight, who have previously collaborated on several projects.
The pair felt the premise of the play was appropriate for the state of today’s society, as it deals with questions of what it means to be human in an increasingly technological world. The production also aligns with the A&S College Core curriculum, as Čapek’s play is required reading for all first-year students as part of the Science, Technology, and Values course.
“We wanted to do something that would appeal to students early in their careers at Vanderbilt and that would appeal to a wider audience,” Lowe said. “I also love the give-and-take of working on a new play, and Krista and I both think it’s a great experience for young actors who get to originate a role.”
Robert (Will) Growdon, a senior majoring in theatre, plays a human robot factory manager who has spent the last 15 years on a robot island. He said this production and his experiences in past theatre productions have taught him skills like personal responsibility and teamwork.
“I learned so much from being in I think 10 productions over four years,” Growdon said. “The most important lessons include personal responsibility, communication, teamwork, and the acquired skill of maintaining good energy while problem-solving. I’ve taken a bit of every character I’ve ever played with me after the show closes. In all honesty, I am grateful to have been able to explore that last bit of empathy needed to try and understand (but never, of course, condone) those most evil of personas.”
Lowe emphasized that productions such as this one also help students learn to express themselves physically and verbally, analyze a text and use that analysis as the basis for creative thinking, and support each other in and be supported by an ensemble.
“In a play, students are learning by doing,” she said. “There is an awful lot of thinking that needs to be synthesized quickly as people are working on their feet. It’s also such a tremendous community building activity. The cast, crew, and faculty are all working together on a shared project.”
In support of Lowe’s point, all the sets were designed by Assistant Professor of the Practice of Theatre Rosalind Isquith, and all the costumes were designed by Assistant Professor of the Practice of Theatre Hannah Chalman.
As for what to expect at the show, Growdon encourages audience members to not just ponder the thought-provoking questions and ideas explored by the play, but to also remember to laugh.
“Come with a friend, friends, everybody. Be loud,” he said. “The point of theatre, especially comedic theatre, in my young, unsolicited, and rot-addled opinion, is to at all costs have a good time. The moments where things are serious will carve a place out for themselves. But that’s our job. We’re lucky to have you, so don’t feel inhibited.”
See Я.U.Robot on April 3, 4, 9, 10, and 11 at 7:30 p.m. in Neely Auditorium. Tickets are free, but RSVP is requested.