The invention of the vibrator is a topic about which most Utah citizens aren’t knowledgeable. Nonetheless, the U Department of Theatre is hoping to change the conservative state’s sentiments involving the sex toy’s history with the upcoming production of Sarah Ruhl’s “In the Next Room” (also called “The Vibrator Play”).
Directed by Hanna Cheek, the production runs April 18-27 in the Babcock Theatre. On April 25, the cast will be available after the show for a post-performance talkback with the audience.
Set in a Victorian home, Dr. Givings has seemingly invented a new device meant to cure female hysteria, a 19th century diagnosis no longer considered valid by medical authorities. The play’s title comes from Dr. Giving’s wife, who, while in the next room, tries to determine what Dr. Givings is doing to his patients. As the vibrator gains popularity, the couple is forced to confront the strength of their marriage and love.
Brian Powell, the production’s dramaturge, is in his fourth year with the Department of Theatre. He feels the production’s criteria is the glove that fits his drama enthusiast’s hand.
“It’s really the only major that fit who I am, though I have been involved in many different departments,” he said.
Although “In the Next Room” is one of many productions Powell has participated in the making of, it is something he devoted a lot of time to. To replicate the time period of the show, which includes adult content, Powell gathered research. He also found materials for the set designers. With his research he was able to select fabrics that fit in with the look of a Victorian post-Civil War household.
By providing expertise for “In The Next Room’s” scenery, Powell informed actors of what it would feel like to live in another time period.
“In particular with this show, etiquette between different relationships and attitudes towards different races and midwives were vital for a sense of trueness to come across,” he said.
Powell works behind the scenes, and his work’s effect is on a more subliminal level. When audience members react to a play’s setting or history, Powell feels like he hit a home run.
“As dramaturge, I feel my job is to build the bridge between audience and actors. When a company does a show like this, there is usually a gap between the knowledge expected to enjoy the show and the knowledge readily available to the average audience member. I hope that gap is bridged,” Powell said.
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