In an era where machines are assuming pivotal roles, what defines the quintessentially human?

For over a century, writers have pondered this very question while envisioning futuristic worlds and characters. The first literary work to pose this question was the 1921 play "R.U.R" by Karel Čapek, which famously introduced the term "Robot" to the world. Much of the subsequent science fiction drew inspiration from this play, establishing "R.U.R" as the origin of this profound inquiry. Given its enduring relevance, we put on stage the production of "R.U.R" in fall 2023 at AUK Theatre, as part of the Department of Music and Drama's semesterly showcase. We also had the unique opportunity to highlight the talents of our students not only in the College of Arts and Sciences but also in the field of Engineering.

During my time at AUK, I was responsible for producing one show each semester, providing a platform for students to showcase their artistic abilities. For each production, I worked with 30 to 40 students across acting, stage management, and design to bring the show to fruition, often within a very limited production budget. For most of the students, this was their first experience working on a play. All aspects of the production, including design and management, were undertaken by students, with me providing guidance and preparation over the course of several weeks.

The following video is by AUK’s student magazine: