IN THE NEXT ROOM OR THE VIBRATOR PLAY

Starting the year off with a bang, the Sydney Theatre Company’s first main stage production for 2011 is the Australian premiere of the acclaimed Broadway comedy In the Next Room or the Vibrator Play. The play is based around the Victorian era practice of treating ‘hysterical’ women with the clinical use of vibrators – bring them to orgasm and thereby setting free their demons. Though of course, In the Next Room is clearly so much more than that. The slightly outrageous comedy, about love, longing, invention and equality, is touching and thought-provoking. Pamela Rabe directs the stellar cast, headed by Jacqueline McKenzie, in this latest work from Sarah Ruhl – one of America’s most exciting contemporary writers. Being both a 2010 Pulitzer Prize finalist, and a 2010 Tony Nominee for Best Play, the production is sure to be stimulating in every way.

Feb 11-Mar 27, Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House, $35-85, 9250 1777, sydneytheatre.com.au