Theresa Liebhart as Mrs. Daldry & Jessica Filkill as Mrs. Givings. Photo by Colin Shimrock.
Miami University Department of Theatre presents the Pulitzer Prize nominated play IN THE NEXT ROOM, OR THE VIBRATOR PLAY at 7:30 p.m. October 21-24 and at 2:00 p.m. October 25, in Gates-Abegglen Theatre, Center for Performing Arts.
The play, written by Sarah Ruhl, is a stimulating and witty, yet touching and tender story set during an age of technical innovation at the turn of the 19th century. The dawn of electricity allows a doctor to use electrical vibrator on his female patients to treat hysteria. However, when the doctor’s wife becomes curious about what is going on in the next room, boundaries become blurred and passion is unleashed. With the awakening of their senses, Sarah Ruhl’s characters imagine new relationships and shatter the constraints of social convention.
Director Ann Elizabeth Armstrong notes that the play explores “how sexuality intersects with our larger passions for life and how it connects us to deep and mature relationships.” Playwright Sarah Ruhl was shocked when she discovered that doctors used vibrators medically to treat the women with hysteria in the 19th century after coming across the book “The Technology of Orgasm” by Rachel P. Maines. Ruhl explores our distance from these historical events but she also portrays a familiar world where technology creates anxiety even as it opens up new exciting possibilities.
This production includes material of an adult nature and may contain brief nudity. Audience members under the age of 18 will not be admitted without parental consent. Potential audience members who are concerned about whether it is appropriate for them should contact the Department of Theatre at 513-529-3053 for additional information.
Tickets are $8 for students/youth, $9 for seniors and $12 for adults, available at the Miami H.O.M.E. Box Office, located in the lower level of the Shriver Center, (513) 529-3200 or online at MiamiOH.edu/BoxOffice.
Join us for these special events leading up to Opening Night!
Pouring Tea “In the Next Room”
Friday, October 16, 4:30–6pm, Patterson Place
Come join the cast of Miami University’s production of “In the Next Room, or The Vibrator Play” for afternoon tea and crumpets. Located in Patterson Place on Western Campus, we will be sitting in an original building from the Women’s college, Western College. Immerse yourself in the history of Victorian ideals, creativity and innovation, women’s history, and cultural practice. This event is co-sponsored by Humanities Center, Women’s Center and the Western College Alumnae Association.
With Moderators:
- Dr. Helen Scheumaker, History/Global and Intercultural Studies
- Alyssa Straight, PhD Candidate, English
- Dr. Jacqueline Daugherty, Individualized Studies/Western Program
- Hannah Regan, Undergraduate in Anthropology
- Alexandra Fair, Undergraduate in Social Studies Education and History
Dramaturges:
- Meryl Jeurgens, Undergraduate in Creative Writing and Theatre
- Sloan Kyler, Undergraduate in Theatre
- Logan Uhtenwoldt, Master’s Student in Theatre Studies
- Dr. Katelyn Wood, Theatre
Actors:
- Myka Lipsomb
- Jessica Filkill
- Adam Joesten
“Intimate Technologies” A Panel Discussion
Thursday, October 22, 5–6:15pm, Studio 88, Center for Performing Arts
In line with Miami University’s 2015-2016 theme, “Creativity and Innovation,” our panel of historians and gender and sexuality scholars will discuss how shifts in technological advances have changed our relationships to culture, space, time, relationships, and sexuality. Following this interactive discussion, join us for the Miami University Department of Theatre’s production of In The Next Room (or The Vibrator Play).
Moderator: Dr. Katelyn Wood, Theatre
With panelists:
- Dr. José Amador, Latin American Caribbean Studies and Global and Intercultural Studies
- Dr. Kimberly Hamlin, American Studies and Global and Intercultural Studies
- Dr. Katie Johnson, English
- Dr. Glenn Platt, Interactive Media Studies
Behind the Curtain Cincinnati 