Burien Actors Theatre (BAT) explores AI through the 1920s lens of the play that coined the term “robot”, R.U.R. (Rossum’s Universal Robots) opening this Friday night, Feb. 13 and continuing through Sunday, Mar. 8.

Written by Karel Čapek in 1920 and adapted by Taylor Davis, this brilliant satire examines what could happen when robots free humans to pursue “…things such as perfecting themselves rather than toiling long days just for bread.” With sharp wit, provocative ideas, and eerie relevance to today’s AI boom, Čapek’s prescient masterpiece is a cautionary tale.

R.U.R. (Rossum’s Universal Robots) contains some adult content, and gunshots.

Don’t miss opening night this Friday, Feb. 13 for a free post-play talkback by Onur Bakiner, the Director of the Technology Ethics Initiative at Seattle University! Bakiner is a professor of political science. His book Governing AI: A Primer (Cambridge University Press, 2026) reflects his ongoing work on governance models to mitigate AI risks and harms. 

Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30 p.m., except no shows on Fridays Feb. 20 and 27. Sunday performances are at 2 p.m. The show run time of approximately two hours includes a 15-minute intermission.

Burien Actors Theatre performances are at the Theater at Kennedy Catholic High School, 140 S. 140th St., Burien, WA 98168 (map below).

There is plenty of free on-site parking—follow the signs into the parking lot and around the buildings to the entrance, which is in back.

Save $3 Off With Our Discount Code

Ticket prices range from $7 to $25. Student tickets are always $5. Opening weekend only, enjoy some outstanding deals – only on Saturday, Feb. 14 all tickets are $10. Only on Sunday, Feb. 15, all tickets are just $7.

Save $3 by using the discount code BLOG after selecting the number of tickets you want here (see highlighted area of screenshot below).

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Save $3 per ticket by entering the discount code BLOG at checkout after selecting your tickets.

For more info, visit: 

https://battheatre.org/rur-winter-2025/

Or call 206-242-5180 (message only). 

If ticket pricing is a barrier, reach out to BAT at tickets@BATtheatre.org — theater is for everyone! Free/reduced price access for R.U.R. (Rossum’s Universal Robots) is supported by 4Culture and the City of Burien. 

Special thanks to Kennedy Catholic High School and Evergreen City Ballet.

 

THE CAST, DIRECTOR AND DESIGNERS 

Stage director Taylor Davis directs the talented cast of Timothy Duval (Domin/Primus), Dani Davis (Helena/Robot Helena), Phillip Keiman (Dr. Hallemeier/Marius/2nd Robot), Jalyn Green (Busman/Radius/Worker Robot), Lisa Stromme Warren (Sully/Nana/1st Robot). and John Clark (Alquist). The creative team for the show includes: Rob Falk, lighting design; Albie Clementi, set design; Carolann Voltarel, costume design; Cyndi Baumgardner, props design; Sam Peters, composer; Eric Dickman, sound design; and Timothy Duval, sound effects. Jackson Bailey is stage manager.

ABOUT BAT THEATRE 

Incorporated in 1980, BAT Theatre is a leading producer of affordable, quality live theater serving residents of the Puget Sound region. BAT gives audiences an invigorating theater experience with unusual productions. The theater’s mission is to “welcome and embrace our shared humanity through live theater. We question norms and thrive because of our diversity and energetic commitment to excellence.” As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) entity, BAT operates on revenue from ticket sales, donations, grants and sponsorships, plus volunteer time.