R.U.R. (Rossum's Universal Robots): A Fantastic Melodrama in Three Acts and an Epilogue — John Shaqi
R.U.R. (Rossum's Universal Robots): A Fantastic Melodrama in Three Acts and an EpilogueČapek, Karel
Science
R.U.R. (Rossum's Universal Robots): A Fantastic Melodrama in Three Acts and an Epilogue
Čapek, Karel
Czech drama -- Translations into English; Robots -- Drama; Science fiction plays
DOMIN. Certainly. (_Embraces her_) That is, we will see. Do you
remember ten years ago today? (_Crosses to L. of table L.C._) Miss
Glory, it’s a great honor to welcome you. (_They assume the same
positions as when they first met ten years before in DOMIN’S office._)
HELENA. (_To table_) Oh, Mr. Manager, I’m so interested in your
factory. (_She sits R. of table._)
DOMIN. I’m sorry, Miss Glory, it’s strictly forbidden. The manufacture
of artificial people is a secret.
HELENA. But to oblige the young lady who has come a long way.
DOMIN. (_Leans on table_) Certainly, Miss Glory. I have no secrets from
you.
HELENA. Are you sure, Harry? (_Leaning on desk, seriously, his right
hand on hers._)
DOMIN. _Yes._ (_They gradually draw apart._)
HELENA. But I warn you, sir, this young lady intends to do terrible
things.
DOMIN. Good gracious, Miss Glory. Perhaps she doesn’t want to marry me.
HELENA. Heaven forbid. She never dreamt of such a thing. But she came
here intending to stir up a _revolt_ among your _Robots_.
DOMIN. A revolt of the Robots!
HELENA. (_Low voice_) Harry, what’s the matter with you?
DOMIN. (_Laughing it off_) _A revolt of the Robots_, that’s a fine
idea. (_Crosses to back of table. She watches him suspiciously._) Miss
Glory, it would be easier for you to cause bolts and screws to rebel
than our Robots. You know, Helena, you’re wonderful. You’ve turned the
hearts of us all. (_Sits on table._)
HELENA. Oh, I was fearfully impressed by you all then. You were all so
sure of yourselves, so strong. I seemed like a tiny little girl who had
lost her way among--among--
DOMIN. What?
HELENA. (_Front_) Among huge trees. All my feelings were so _trifling_
compared with your _self-confidence_. And in all these years I’ve never
_lost_ this anxiety. But you’ve never felt the _least_ misgiving, not
even when everything went wrong.
DOMIN. What went wrong?
HELENA. Your plans. You remember, Harry, when the workmen in America
revolted against the Robots and smashed them up, and when the people
gave the Robots firearms against the rebels. And then when the
governments turned the Robots into soldiers, and there were so many
_wars_.
DOMIN. (_Getting up and walking about_) We foresaw that, Helena.
(_Around table to R.C._) You see, these are only passing troubles
which are bound to happen before the new conditions are _established_.
(_Walking up and down, standing at Center._)
HELENA. You were all so powerful, so overwhelming. The _whole world_
bowed down before you. (_Rising_) Oh, Harry! (_Crosses to him._)
DOMIN. What is it?
HELENA. Close the factory and let’s go away. All of us.
DOMIN. I say, what’s the meaning of this?
HELENA. I don’t know. But can’t we go away?
DOMIN. Impossible, Helena! That is, at this particular moment--
HELENA. At once, Harry. I’m so frightened.
DOMIN. (_Takes her_) About what, Helena?
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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