Act 1 Summary

R.U.R. is Karel Capek's play about robots developed to replace humans in the work force for the objective of improving productivity and manufacturing efficiency. The play, written in 1921, addresses the issues of technology and its role in a burgeoning industrial global economy.

The play begins in the office of the factory of Rossum's Universal Robots (R.U.R.) where the factory manager, Mr. Domin, dictates letters to a secretary named Sulla. Domin dictates the full contents of each letter as Sulla listens intently. She begins to type once Domin has completely finished speaking. Each letter acknowledges the receipt of an order for robots or the resolution of some issue relating to robots.

This pattern of rapid-fire dictation continues through the completion of three letters. Then, a man named Marius enters the room to announce the arrival of a young woman named...