Unveiling Humanity in the Age of Robotics: R.U.R, An Upcoming AUK Production

Mr. Q-mars, a dynamic lecturer in theater and drama at AUK, explores the question of what defines humanity in a technologically driven world in his upcoming play, titled R.U.R. Drawing inspiration from Karel Čapek's 1921 play R.U.R, which introduced the term "Robot,” the production takes an interdisciplinary approach, involving students from both the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) and the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences (CEAS). This unique collaboration promises to bring a fresh perspective on the timeless significance of exploring the essence of humanity.

In this exclusive interview, Mr. Q-mars explores the crossroads between arts and engineering, delving into the far-reaching impact this play is expected to have on the campus community and beyond: 

1. With the convergence of arts and engineering students in this production, what opportunities have arisen in fostering collaboration between these two disciplines?
 
The collaboration between CEAS and our Department of Music and Drama at AUK has been an amazing journey. It presented an opportunity to bridge two seemingly disparate areas of the University, showcasing the diverse talents we have here. This partnership has enabled us to aspire towards creating world-class theater technology here at AUK. Personally, it has provided me with a learning experience in “thinking like an engineer”. Not only did I learn a lot, but it also helped me realize that the similarities in problem-solving approaches between theater production and engineering are striking. Moreover, my hope is that this collaboration has challenged our engineering students to showcase their best work, gain real-life experiences, move beyond theoretical concepts, and witness the immediate application of their work in a fun and live setting.
 
2. Considering the recent surge in AI and automation technologies, what themes or messages from R.U.R do you believe resonate most strongly with today's audience? What are your personal hopes and expectations for how the audience will engage with and reflect upon these themes?
 
R.U.R, written in 1921, is known for coining the term "Robot". This shows that the question of artificial intelligence is a century-long question. The play uniquely addresses the AI question by asking what quintessentially makes a human human.  If we can answer this question appropriately, we can alleviate many of the apprehensions surrounding AI. My expectation is that the play will offer the audience a framework to ponder pertinent questions about our coexistence with robots and the conscious use of AI. It’s about exploring how AI can assist us while reflecting on the essence of human identity.
 
3. Given the broader societal discussions on academic integrity and the evolving landscape of education, how do you think R.U.R can contribute to these conversations?

While a theater production like R.U.R doesn't provide direct answers, it creates a space for contemplation and discussion. Particularly regarding academic integrity in the context of AI, my view is that understanding the core question of the play—what constitutes a human—can help us understand what constitutes a human response. If educators design assignments with this understanding, AI-generated texts can serve as tools for brainstorming and grammar assistance rather than replacing authentic student work. This perspective can contribute significantly to the ongoing conversation about academic integrity.
 

4.In your opinion, how does this production contribute to the cultural and artistic landscape of AUK, and what do you anticipate its impact will be on the university community?
 
The role of semesterly theater productions at AUK is to facilitate the educational experience across all fields of study with a hands-on project. This project requires extensive collaboration and communication among students from various disciplines, culminating in a creative and fun showcase presented at the end of each semester. Specifically, with R.U.R, the collaboration between CAS and CEAS, we have the chance to explore, use, and create new cutting-edge technologies, while simultaneously prompting us to question their potential impacts on both our AUK community and the society at large.