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The Post-Standard News
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Post Standard, The (Syracuse, NY) November 1, 2005 Fiction to fact Joan Vadeboncoeur, Entertainment Columnist It used to be labeled science fiction. Today, "Karel Capek's R.U.R." can be termed science fact. Appleseed Productions is introducing a new version of the once revolutionary Capek work that removes the stiffness without sacrificing the chill. It should not be missed. On a remote island, a company is manufacturing robots, each stage of which improves on their abilities. The secret use of organs makes them more human. Mistake for the businessmen and the scientists, since a revolt is bound to happen when the robots, who have outnumbered their makers, tire of their masters. Adapter Lee Eric Shackleford, in tandem with astute director William Edward White, has brought reality and, in some cases, humor to the characters. Domin, the head of the factory, could be your dentist or insurance salesman. He holds secrets but behaves as a real person, especially as acted by Paul Gundersen. The accountant becomes comedic as well as crass. Another is outright hilarious as he stutters through his terror. In addition, it is telling to watch the robots as they evolve into figures so human that emotions start to emerge. At the end, melodrama enters, which is not needed in a drama that speaks volumes without resorting to that style. One other problem Shackleford should solve before moving his adaptation further is lack of a scene for the most human of the latest generation of robots. Other noteworthy performances come from Victoria Barrett as Helena, the wealthy patron who falls for Domin then thwarts his backup plan; from Greg J. Hipius as the stutterer; and from Andy Godwin as the factory supervisor who is the play's cautionary character. Copyright © 2005 The Post-Standard. |
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