R.U.R live at British Library - listen now!

Rossum's Universal Robots

As part of the Out of the World exhibition, the festival presented a full rehearsed reading of our newly commissioned version of R.U.R.

Ninety years ago the great Czech playwright and novelist Karel Čapek first presented his remarkable play R.U.R, from which the word 'robot' is derived and which describes the elimination of humanity by robots. A powerful comment on politics and technological progress, it also presages the questions of cloning and nanotechnology of our own time. A staged reading, abridged and directed by Ivor Benjamin.

The performance took place on Wednesday 6 July and was performed by:

  • Ben Moor
  • Phil Mann
  • Jan Goodman
  • Richard Turner
  • Tamsin Aitken
  • TIffany Wood
  • Ivor Benjamin

Commissioned by and presented in association with SCI-FI-LONDON, we are looking for angels to help us stage this later in the year! In the meantime, enjoy the show.

OUT OF THIS WORLD is an exhibition that explores a range of imaginings that have provoked hopes and dreams, exhilaration and fear. It also discusses how science fiction has influenced scientific discovery. The exhibition is free and runs until September 21st. Full details here http://www.bl.uk/sciencefiction.

There are many other great events still to come at the British Library. See below.

Tickets available at http://boxoffice.bl.uk, by calling 01937 546546 (9am-5pm Mon-Fri) or in person at The British Library.

The first event is likely to feature Neil Gaiman as well!

Heartwood: Telling the Matter of Britain Friday 2 September 18.30 – 20.00
In his extraordinary books Mythago Wood, Lavondyss and many others, the late Robert Holdstock explored a mythic landscape of this land; using the tools of science fiction and fantasy at timeless depths and earning him acclaim as an heir to Tolkien or Ursula Le Guin. His work will be the starting point for an evening of exploration, discussion and readings with authors Stephen Baxter, Lisa Tuttle and other guests. Chaired by Graham Sleight.
£7.50 / £5 concessions / Conference Centre

Worlds of Wonder? Sunday 4 September 14.30 – 16.00
What is the future of the Future? Is the golden age of science fiction speculation now over or can the future still create a sense of wonder? Has the speed of change outstripped anything the story tellers, film makers, special effects artists and game designers can imagine? Or does the increasing knowledge we possess of the human condition and of scientific progress give us ever more fabulous ways to speculate? Speakers include TED fellow Rachel Armstrong, who joins one of the worlds masters of amazing storytelling, Neil Gaiman, his fellow author Peter F. Hamilton and critic Kari Sperring. Chair, Farah Mendlesohn.
Presented in association with the Science Fiction Foundation
£7.50 / £5 concessions / Conference Centre

Lemistry. A Celebration of Stanisław Lem Friday 9 September 18.30 – 20.00
A truly great European writer, Stanisław Lem (1921-2006) transcends both Polish literature and his chosen genre, science fiction. Best known for his twice-filmed novel Solaris, he was a virtuoso storyteller who packed his writing with philosophy, comedy, and allegory. This evening’s rich celebration features contributions by writers John Gray, Toby Litt and Wojciech Orliński, and film makers Ari Folman (currently filming Lem’s The Futurological Congress as follow up to Waltz with Bashir) and The Brothers Quay. Chaired by journalist and critic Rosie Goldsmith.

The discussion and film screenings are accompanied by a book launch of Lemistry. A Celebration of the Work of Stanisław Lem (Comma Press 2011) - a collection of essays and short stories inspired by the work of Stanisław Lem featuring a number of new stories written by contemporary Polish and British authors – including Brian Aldiss and Jacek Dukaj - celebrating Lem's influence.
Presented in association with the Polish Cultural Institute in London.
£7.50 / £5 concessions / Conference Centre

Fifty Years of Gollancz Science Fiction Friday 16 September 18.30 – 20.00
One of the greatest imprints in science fiction, Gollancz, celebrates half a century of publishing extraordinary classics by the likes of Arthur C. Clarke, Philip K. Dick, Frank Herbert, Ursula Le Guin and countless others, including many stellar contemporary talents. A group of its leading writers discuss some of the masterpieces of the genre. Speakers to be announced.
£7.50 / £5 concessions / Conference Centre

J G Ballard: Further Reflections Friday 23 September 18.30 – 20.00
Famous for his provocative, dystopian visions, J G Ballard was a writer so spectacularly imaginative and distinctive that his name has become an adjective in its own right. His fiction, often shocking, predicted the rise of terrorism against tourists, the alienation of a society obsessed by new technology and ecological disasters such as the melting of the ice caps. It ranges from science fiction and psychological fables (such as Crash) that uncover the weirdness of normality, to the iconic autobiographical work Empire of the Sun. His archive was acquired by the British Library in 2010.
This event will feature contributions by some of J G Ballard’s associates and fellow writers.
£7.50 / £5 concessions / Conference Centre

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