Capek: Four Plays [Paperback]

Karel Capek (Author), Cathy Porter (Author), Peter Majer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 15, 2000 | Series: Methuen World Classics

This volume brings together fresh new translations of four of his most popular plays, more than ever relevant today. In R. U. R., the Robot - an idea Çapek was the first to invent - gradually takes over all aspects of human existence except procreation; The Insect Play is a satirical fable in which beetles, butterflies and ants give dramatic form to different philosophies of life; The Makropulos Case is a fantasy about human mortality, finally celebrating the average lifespan; The White Plague is a savage and anguished satire against fascist dictatorship and the virus of inhumanity.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"There was no writer like him. . . prophetic assurance mixed with surrealistic humour and hard-edged social satire: a unique combination"—Arthur Miller

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Methuen Drama (May 15, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0413771903
• ISBN-13: 978-0413771902
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #630,201 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Check out this Czech, June 18, 2000

By 

"od_ghoti" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Capek: Four Plays (Paperback)

Be prepared to enter another world. The Capek's (for many of the plays are actually written by Karel and his brother - and expressionist artist - Joseph) speak to us today loud and clear from a realm linked to ours but slightly askew. Their perceptions are insightful and their vision resonates still. Whether exploring the inhumanity of man or the humanity of the machine, the futility of labour or the glory of the prolitariate, Capek demands consideration.

The translation of the four plays contained in this volume are engaging in their use of the contemporary idiom, though show a little excess due to hindsight ( especially in R.U.R. ). It is however good to have a new version of these pieces, Selvers translation ( which is available in other editions )being used since 1921, though good, has not the clarity necessary for the current century.

Thanks must go to the publishers for bringing these plays back into the public domain. I for one hope to see further volumes so a new audience can truely grasp the bredth and depth of both Karel and Joseph Capek's creative vision.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Margwrit, October 30, 2009

By 

Margaret Horn - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Capek: Four Plays (Paperback)

While these plays by Karel Capek were written decades ago, they are still timely and are still being produced to this day. I was fortunate enough to have seen "Vec Makropulos" live in Prague Theater and it was widely enjoyed by the audience. Many of Capek's works question our existence and even though he uses insects as characters, they are not science fiction in the usual way of aliens come to earth, but more as a way of questioning why we are here and what is to become of the human race. Capek coined the word "robot" to serve as machines that morph into beings that begin to take over their human creators.