BAT Explores AI & Robotics in 1920s Play RUR

Burien Actors Theatre (BAT) opened its production of Karel Čapek’s R.U.R. (Rossum’s Universal Robots) on Friday, February 13, 2026, a play credited with introducing the word “robot” to the English language. The production runs through March 8.

The play, set in a future where artificial people are manufactured to serve humanity, explores themes of labor, exploitation, and the potential consequences of unchecked technological advancement. BAT’s production asks the question, “Is it time to call tech support?” according to promotional materials.

BAT is giving away 25 tickets for the Saturday, February 14 performance, according to the B-Town Blog. The theater is located in Burien, Washington.

R.U.R. premiered in 1920, and its exploration of artificial intelligence resonates with contemporary concerns about the rapid development of AI technologies. The play’s depiction of robots ultimately rebelling against their creators offers a cautionary tale about the ethical implications of creating artificial life.

The current production continues through March 8, offering audiences a chance to engage with a foundational operate of science fiction and consider its relevance in the 21st century.