DESCRIPTION OF CHARACTERS
Domin: A handsome man of 35. Forceful, efficient and humorous at times.
Sulla: A pathetic figure. Young, pretty and attractive.
Marius: A young Robot, superior to the general run of his kind. Dressed in modern clothes.
Helena Glory: A vital, sympathetic, handsome girl of 21.
Dr. Gall: A tall, distinguished scientist of 50.
Mr. Fabry: A forceful, competent engineer of 40.
Hallemeier: An impressive man of 40. Bald head and beard.
Alquist: A stout, kindly old man of 60.
Nana: A tall, acidulous woman of 40.
Radius: A tall, forceful Robot.
Helena: A radiant young woman of 20.
Primus: A good-looking young Robot.
Note: All the Robots wear expressionless faces and move with absolute mechanical precision, with the exception of Sulla, Helena and Primus, who convey a touch of humanity.
R. U. R.
ACT ONE
Scene: Central office of the factory of Rossum’s Universal Robots. Entrance R. down Right. The windows on the back wall look out on the endless roads of factory buildings. Door L. down Left. On the Left wall large maps showing steamship and railroad routes. On the Right wall are fastened printed placards. (“Robots cheapest Labor,” etc.) In contrast to these wall fittings, the floor is covered with splendid Turkish carpet, a couch R.C. A book shelf containing bottles of wine and spirits, instead of books.
Domin is sitting at his desk at Left, dictating. Sulla is at the typewriter upstage against the wall. There is a leather couch with arms Right Center. At the extreme Right an armchair. At extreme Left a chair. There is also a chair in front of Domin’s desk. Two green cabinets across the upstage corners of the room complete the furniture. Domin’s desk is placed up and down stage facing Right.
Seen through the windows which run to the heights of the room are rows of factory chimneys, telegraph poles and wires. There is a general passageway or hallway upstage at the Right Center which leads to the warehouse. The Robots are brought into the office through this entrance.
Domin. (Dictating) Ready?
Sulla. Yes.