“In The Next Room (Or The Vibrator Play)” Shakes up the Senses and Shapes up Sensibilities
Elizabeth Hurd Published: June 4th, 2016
“In the Next Room (or The Vibrator Play)” is currently and perhaps daringly being presented by Reduxion Theatre Company at the Civic Center Music Hall. It is realistic that, upon hearing the title, one allows a few moments for tittering. After all, the title is suggestive of a very titillating subject! This fascinating period play by Sarah Ruhl premiered in 2009 and has been nominated for three Tony awards.
“In the Next Room (or The Vibrator Play)” is the story of a young medical doctor who treats women for hysteria using the popular new electrical device, a vibrator. Dr. Givings is happily married to Catherine and they have recently had a baby girl, Letitia. Mr. Dick Daldry brings his wife, Sabrina to the clinic for treatment and Dr. Givings and his assistant, Annie provide a very clinical and discreet but successful experience for patients. The Daldry’s also suggest that their servant, Elizabeth, may be helpful to Dr. and Mrs. Givings as a wet nurse. Another patient is a young artist, Leo Irving, although it is unusual for a man to have symptoms of hysteria. This breakthrough treatment for female symptoms of depression or hysteria would be unheard of in our modern time of sexual freedom, but in the late 1880’s women were thought to be incapable of experiencing sexual pleasure. No respectable woman would admit to such feelings and no well brought up husband would be anything but horrified to discover sexuality in his wife. A woman’s only motivation for submission to the ‘unpleasant carnal desires’ and conjugal rights of a husband should come with the children that result from the union.
Tonia Sina is the new Artistic Director for Reduxion as Tyler Woods moves into the Executive Directorship and “In the Next Room (The Vibrator Play)” is her first show as Director and Artistic Director. Her qualifications as an intimacy coach allow her to expertly lead her cast with sensitivity, discretion, accuracy and delight. The play is very funny and of course the subject of sex, even repressed, makes it inappropriate for some audiences. Of course, it is not for young children. The play may very well be appropriate for older ‘kids’ although it might be uncomfortable or embarrassing to view it together! The actual subject of “In the Next Room (or The Vibrator Play)” is not just sex but intimacy. Sexual intimacy, yes, but intimacy in general as well. There is no subject more relevant in today’s society than this one.
The play takes place in the intimate space of CitySpace, but the set design by Chris Evans delineates a comfortable fourth wall for the audience as well as a lovely authentic environment. Lighting Designer Mitchell Laflin contributes to the mood as needed, whether clinical or homey. The costumes designed by Stephanie Sandidge are lovely, and constructed convincingly. It is unusual, but entirely appropriate in this show for the complications of period costumes to be revealed so rivetingly. Properties Designer Catherine Pitt displays some very interesting and accurate medical devices that must have been quite a lark to locate and, probably in some cases, recreate.
“In the Next Room (or The Vibrator Play)” is a lot of fun, a lot of funny, a lot of tenderness, a lot of generosity and a lot of humanity. Sina’s superb great direction and a talented, brave and dedicated cast make this production important as well as excellent. Keegan Zimmerman as Dr. Givings, a healer with his own repressed instincts is brilliant. Just as dazzling is Lia Oldham as Catherine Givings, loving wife and mother in great need of affection. Jennifer Farley also shines brightly as Sabrina Daldry and her excellent performance is enhanced by her perfect timing. David Pasto as concerned husband, Dick Daldry, portrays an ideal and generous husband in tune with the period as he loses some generosity to jealousy. Mariah Warren, the beautiful and gentle but slightly tragic wet nurse, Elizabeth, is inspirational. Rodonna Carter as Annie, the suitably discreet assistant with gentle hands and demeanor, is aptly and sensitively done. Chase Bradshaw is Leo Irving, the male patient, artist, hedonist and general scamp with disarming charm.
“In the Next Room (or The Vibrator Play) from Reduxion Theatre Company shows at CitySpace Theatre in the Civic Center Music Hall, 201 N. Walker in downtown Oklahoma City. Showtime is 8:00 o’clock Thursday through Saturday with Sunday Matinee time scheduled at 2:00 o’clock. Visit www.reduxiontheatre.com or call 405- 604-4730. Take your lover, recommend your friends, be prepared for an evening of laughs and a little later, a night of emotional ecstasy.