IN THE NEXT ROOM,
OR THE VIBRATOR PLAY
By SARAH RUHL
22 April – 17 May 2025
“A flick of the finger – On, off, on off! We shall be like gods!”
In the spa town of Saratoga Springs, shortly after the end of the American Civil War and the dawn of electricity, Dr Givings specializes in gynecological disorders.
His treatment of women suffering from ‘hysteria’ involves a revolutionary new ‘massage device’ that produces a ‘paroxysm’.
Lonely and sexually frustrated, his young wife Catherine befriends one of her husband’s patients, becoming increasingly fascinated by the electrical-powered instruments and strange sounds emanating from ‘the next room’.
This clever, funny, profoundly thoughtful play throws a feminist light on the emotional and physical neglect endured by women in a male-dominated society.
“This brilliant play is, to put it mildly, an eye-opener!” The Guardian
CREATIVE TEAM
Director Emma Whitehead
CAST
To be announced
DATES/TIMES
Previews Tue 22 Apr & Wed 23 Apr 7:30pm
Opening Night Thu 24 Apr 7:30pm
Thu – Sat 7:30pm, Sun 2pm
Final performance Sat 17 May 2pm
Running time: to be announced
Please note: latecomers will be admitted at a suitable break in the performance
tickets
Full $37
Concessions, Groups (6+) $32
New Theatre Members $25
Thrifty Thursdays $25
Preview $20
(Booking and transaction fees apply)
Patrons please note: New Theatre is now EFTPOS-only
at Front of House for both ticket and bar sales.
Main image: © Carlos Neto/Shutterstock