Director's Notes

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When Karel Capek coined the word "robot" for his play R.U.R. in 1920, gene splicing, cloning, and silicon microchips were unimaginable. Capek developed the word "robot" from the Czech term "robit" or "robota" meaning work or drudgery.

The robots were intended to perform menial, repetitive, peaceful jobs. Human nature, however, intervened and complicated the process. Governments began to use the robots as mercenary soldiers; scientists at the robot factory began to experiment secretly on the robots to give them emotions and a soul. These two strands converge to sound the death sentence of mankind.

Many people today are frightened by the various threats to which R.U.R. alludes. Automation has replaced people in industry; laptop computers are faster and more powerful than their room-sized ancestors. The standard of living has increased; the Internet has truly made us a global village. Did the Wright brothers foresee daily transcontinental flights and moon landings? What does Bill Gates foresee? Where do you want to go today?