Knoxville Children’s Theatre, in partnership with the Clayton Foundation, will present a live production of R.U.R. (Rossum’s Universal Robots) Reimagined by AI with Genuine Human Assistance from Dennis E. Perkins. The play will be performed from May 8th through the 17th, with showtimes on Thursdays and Fridays at 7pm, Saturdays at 1pm and 5 pm, and Sundays at 3pm.
The production will take place in Knoxville Children’s Theatre’s exciting new location at 747 World’s Fair Park. Free onsite parking is provided.
Tickets are available on our website here.
In 1925, Karel Čapek introduced the word robot to the world. His play envisioned artificial workers designed to serve humanity — and posed a question that still resonates today: what happens when humans become dependent on their own creations? This new adaptation brings that question into the present. Set inside a contemporary data laboratory, this production explores a world where human creativity, memory, and identity are collected, studied, and transformed by artificial intelligence. At first, the system seems helpful—even inspiring. It responds to questions. It creates art. It learns. But as the system grows more capable, and the humans begin to rely on it more deeply, circumstances change. This production combines physical theatre, live technology, movement, voice, and ensemble storytelling to create a world that is precise, controlled, and gradually transformed.
The production features eight talented young actors, ages 12 to 18. The cast includes Kai Cass as Helena Glory, Maggie Ingle as Busman, Jacob Johnson as Fabry, Harper Knight as Radius, Rosalie Linnabary as Domin, Afton Schuh as Alquist, and Isabella Summers as Dr. Gall. Making their KCT debut is Lydia Becker as Collective.
The play is adapted and directed by KCT Artistic Director, Dennis E. Perkins. The scenic design is led by Zee Carnes and assisted by Zowie Cook Aspen and Joelle Arellano. Jenna Blumberg serves as costume designer and is assisted by Luna Chavez and Tabi Maanum. The props are designed by Auden Tatler and assisted by Gabi Ryerson. Ben Ward serves as the lighting designer. The play is stage managed by Madisyn Beckman and assistant stage managed by Lyric Westerfield.
KCT is East Tennessee’s leading producer of plays for children and families.
