IN THE NEXT ROOM or the vibrator play

Written by Sarah Ruhl Directed by Steve Hart

Victorian civilization is rocked to its tightly-corseted core when a new treatment is invented for hysteria in women (and occasionally men): the vibrator. As electricity begins to invade private homes, it shines a light on a society that believes a woman doesn't have a sex drive and that she is defined by her ability to be a mother. But a doctor obsessed with his new invention and his curious wife struggling to care for their newborn are about to discover the Modern Age. Based on historical fact, nominated for the Pulitzer Prize and the Tony Award for Best Play, this comedy brilliantly weaves issues of sexuality, gender, class, race, marriage, and motherhood in one surprisingly poetic and poignant play.