“A flick of the finger – on, off, on off! We shall be like gods!”
The New Theatre presents the highly entertaining In the Next Room, or the Vibrator Play. I haven’t laughed so hard in ages and was mightily impressed by the actors’ performances – all were top notch.
In the North American spa town of Saratoga Springs, shortly after the end of the Civil War and at the dawn of electricity, trailblazing local GP Dr Givings specializes in gynaecological 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 and becomes increasingly fascinated by his electrical-powered instruments, and the strange sounds emanating from ‘in 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.
New Theatre first production of a play by Sarah Ruhl was The Clean House in 2017 and we’re excited to be revisiting the work of this acclaimed contemporary US playwright.
On the choice to program this play, Artistic Director Louise Fischer says, “Given the rise of Trump and the MAGA right in the US, with the concurrent threats posed to women’s rights, including bodily autonomy, the themes that Sarah Ruhl essays with her inimitable wit resonate louder than ever.”
The New Theatre welcomes back director Emma Whitehead (The Chocolate Roster) to helm this production, joined by a top creative team including New Theatre first-timers Alicia Badger (Lighting Designer) and Rose Mulcare (Sound Designer).
The terrific cast includes returning actors Sarah Greenwood (Banging Denmark), Lisa Kelly (Atlantis), Alyona Popova (Atlantis), Luke Visentin (Control, Atlantis) and Riley Thomas (Control), joined by recent NIDA graduates Lewis McLeod, Brightholly Nininahazwe and Ruva Shoko, all making their New Theatre debuts.
I recommend booking a ticket if you wish to experience a delightful romp, one that ensures laughter in spades.
CREATIVE TEAM
Cast Sarah Greenwood, Lisa Kelly, Lewis McLeod, Brightholly Nininahazwe, Alyona Popova, Ruva Shoko, Riley Thomas, Luke Visentin
Director Emma Whitehead
Lighting Designer Alicia Badger
Sound Designer Rose Mulcare
Props Designer & Set Coordinator Annette van Roden
Dramaturg & Intimacy Coordinator Sonya Kerr
Costume Assistant Hugo Fraser
Photos © Bob Seary
SEASON
22 April – 17 May 2025
PERFORMANCES
Opening Night Thu 24 April 7:30pm
Thu – Sat 7:30pm, Sun 2pm
Sat 17 May 2pm only
TICKETS
Full $37
Concessions, Groups (6+) $32
Thrifty Thursdays $25
BOOKINGS
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