35 pages • 1 hour read
In the Next Room (or The Vibrator Play)
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Book Brief
96
Play • Fiction
New York • 1880s
2009
Concord Theatricals
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In the 1880s, In the Next Room (or The Vibrator Play) by Sarah Ruhl centers on Dr. Givings, who treats women's hysteria with a vibrator, and his wife Catherine, who is struggling with emotional and physical fulfillment. As Catherine befriends patients and explores the device, she grapples with societal expectations, intimacy, and her own desires, leading to pivotal moments of self-discovery and connection.
Humorous
Romantic
Contemplative
Emotional
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
3,761 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
In the Next Room (or The Vibrator Play) by Sarah Ruhl is lauded for its bold, humorous exploration of sexuality and intimacy set in the Victorian era. Critics praise its witty dialogue and strong character development. However, some feel its pacing drags in parts and the layered themes might overwhelm audiences. Overall, it's a thought-provoking, entertaining play that sparks important conversations.
Who Should Read In the Next Room (or The Vibrator Play)?
Readers who enjoyed the feminist themes and historical settings of The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood or the witty dialogue and social commentary of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen will likely appreciate Sarah Ruhl's In the Next Room (or The Vibrator Play), which offers a blend of humor, intimacy, and critique of social norms.
3,761 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Catherine Givings
Catherine Givings
The inquisitive and expressive wife of Dr. Givings, who grapples with societal expectations and her own feelings of inadequacy.
Sabrina Daldry
Sabrina Daldry
A woman struggling with personal dissatisfaction in her marriage and health, who gradually gains strength and self-awareness.
Mr. Daldry
Mr. Daldry
Sabrina's husband, who is critical and dismissive of her emotions and lacks understanding of her needs.
Annie
Annie
A midwife and assistant to Dr. Givings, who reveals intelligence and complex personal layers amidst her professional responsibilities.
Elizabeth
Elizabeth
A Black housekeeper who works for the Daldrys and serves as a wet nurse, dealing with personal loss and complex emotional ties.
Leo Irving
Leo Irving
An artist characterized by his emotional nature whose artistic and personal identity is closely tied to his experiences and relationships with others.
In the Next Room (or The Vibrator Play) was nominated for three Tony Awards, including Best Play, showcasing its impact and recognition within the theater community.
The play is set in the 1880s, a time when electricity was still a new innovation, which allowed Sarah Ruhl to explore the intersection of technology and intimacy in a humorous and thought-provoking way.
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Sarah Ruhl was inspired to write In the Next Room (or The Vibrator Play) after reading about the historical use of vibrators as a medical device to treat "hysteria" in women, highlighting how early medical practices sometimes intersected with ideas of female sexuality.
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96
Play • Fiction
New York • 1880s
2009
Concord Theatricals
Adult
18+ years
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