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.

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.

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

- 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.
- 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.

**Dr. Givings**  
A doctor who values scientific objectivity and maintains a professional facade, struggling with emotional intimacy in both his professional and personal life.  

**Catherine Givings**  
The inquisitive and expressive wife of Dr. Givings, who grapples with societal expectations and her own feelings of inadequacy.  

**Sabrina Daldry**  
A woman struggling with personal dissatisfaction in her marriage and health, who gradually gains strength and self-awareness.  

**Mr. Daldry**  
Sabrina's husband, who is critical and dismissive of her emotions and lacks understanding of her needs.  

**Annie**  
A midwife and assistant to Dr. Givings, who reveals intelligence and complex personal layers amidst her professional responsibilities.  

**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**  
An artist characterized by his emotional nature whose artistic and personal identity is closely tied to his experiences and relationships with others.

Sarah Ruhl

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In the Next Room (or The Vibrator Play) Summary and Study Guide

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In the Next Room (or The Vibrator Play) Act I Summary & Analysis

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