This past year, as part of the Digital Performance Institute and Gertrude Stein Repertory Theatre’s Artists Residency Theatre, 31Down Radio Theatre spent 2 months developing the show “Universal Robots” at the DPI multi-use workshop space. One of 31Down’s goals was to build an interactive performance environment where the performers are in control of the stage, which means that they control all the technology. In theatre, ‘tech” usually means lights, sound, and set, but 31Down takes theatre technology up a notch with its performer controlled sensor/computer systems and projected set and performers. In this particular piece, “Universal Robots”, 31Down worked towards a unique goal: to run an (almost) robotic performance. “Universal Robots” is based on RUR (Rossum’s Universal Robots), but also incorporates a mixed-in storyline of the brothers Karel and Josef Capek, who wrote and created RUR, experience of World War II.

Karel Capek is most known for his authorship of books that dealt with the fear of social disasters and dictatorships, and when World War II began, refused to leave Czechoslovakia. His brother, Josef Capek was also a writer, and frequently wrote alongside Karel. Together, they contrived the term “robot”, coming from the word “robota”, which in the Czech language means “forced labor”. Josef Capek was captured and later died in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp.

Not only did the play itself focus on robotics and our love-fear relationship with them, but the show itself was actually run like a “robot”. There was not any one person behind a huge board who flipped switches; in fact, everything was automated.

On the stage, the production incorporated a media beam (a robotic projector controlled by a lighting board) and a wireless mobile robot (who was a character in the show) controlled by BlueTooth. The media beam was used to create an ambiance in the theatre and on stage, simulating such things as flying birds and planes, which made the environment more believable. The backdrop that was projected onto 3 screens, which were built into a revolving stage, provided the central performance area. All of the visual images on stage were taken from works of Joseph Capek, one of the brothers who originally wrote RUR.

While in residence at the Gertrude Stein Repertory Theatre and DPI, the company utilized space for about thirty hours a week to rehearse with projection, which is very difficult to do in traditional rehearsal spaces. They were also able to test out the wireless robot, and experiment with an infrared sensor system.

Ryan Holsopple, Artistic Director commented that “The most useful thing was having a space where we could keep our equipment set up and wired without having to worry about its safety.” In addition to the workshop space and video equipment, 31 down also made use of the in-house sound booth for some voice over work, and utilized computer software that they had free access to as part of the residency.

The 31Down company performed their piece at the Ontological Theatre at St. Mark’s Church in Manhattan from June 28th through July 7th. Visit 31Down’s website for additional information on this show as well as others! http://31down.org
31down UniversalRobots