R.U.R.
by Karel Capek
Czech • Public Domain • Free to stream
R.U.R. (Rossum's Universal Robots, 1920) by Karel Capek is one of the most important science fiction plays ever written. It is the work that gave the world the word "robot" — from the Czech word robota, meaning drudgery or forced labour. The play depicts a factory that manufactures artificial workers, the Robots, who eventually rise up against their creators. With remarkable foresight, Capek explores questions of technological dependency, the ethics of science, and what it means to be human. A landmark of 20th-century theatre, available to stream free in Czech narration.
About the book: R.U.R.
R.U.R. is a 1920 science fiction play written by the Czech writer Karel Čapek. The work was published in two differing versions in Prague by Aventinum, first in 1920, followed by a revised version in 1921. It had its world premiere on 2 January 1921 in Hradec Králové. Paul Selver translated the play into English, and his translation was adapted for the British stage by Nigel Playfair.
The play begins in a factory that makes artificial workers from synthetic organic matter. Robots may be mistaken for humans but have no original thoughts. Most are content to work for humans, but eventually a rebellion causes the extinction of the human race. The play introduced the word robot to the English language and to science fiction as a whole.
In an article in Lidové noviny, Karel Čapek named his brother Josef as the true inventor of the word.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is R.U.R. free to listen to?
Yes, R.U.R. is completely free to stream. No account, no subscription, and no ads required. It is in the public domain.
Who wrote R.U.R.?
R.U.R. was written by Karel Capek.
Is R.U.R. in the public domain?
Yes, R.U.R. by Karel Capek is in the public domain and free to read, share, and listen to worldwide.
How long is R.U.R. to listen to?
R.U.R. takes approximately 2 hours to listen to in full.
When was R.U.R. written?
R.U.R. was first published in 1920. It is now in the public domain and free to stream.
Who narrates R.U.R.?
R.U.R. uses AI multi-voice narration. Each character has a distinct voice — narrators, heroes, villains and supporting characters all sound different, making it easy to follow the story.
Can I download R.U.R.?
No download is needed. R.U.R. streams directly in your browser — no app, no account, no signup required. Just press play.
What genre is R.U.R.?
R.U.R. is classic literature. It is a classic work of literature now in the public domain.