I just finished reading R.U.R., a three-act play written by Karel Čapek and published in 1920. Originally written in Czech, it was quickly translated into many languages. I read the translation done by Claudia Novack in 1989 and published by Penguin. The first English translation omitted significant lines from the play; as such, I recommend reading Novack’s unabridged translation or one of a few that have appeared since.

I found this science fiction play moving and compelling as a piece of drama, with profound ideas and beautiful language. It is also very interesting as a foundational text in science fiction, one that has had a surprisingly substantial influence on the genre and culture in general. I hear echoes of it in everything from Philip K. Dick to The Terminator to current discussions around AI.

I had long heard of the play but, for some reason, felt it would likely be unable to live up to its reputation and perhaps pale in comparison to other works of drama I’ve enjoyed. I was wrong, and thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of reading R.U.R. It was refreshing, thought-provoking, evocative, and a perfect example of why I love reading plays.

“A human being. That’s something that feels joy, plays the violin, wants to go for a walk, in general requires a lot of things that — that are, in effect, superfluous.”