Repertory Philippines: [MAR24-APR23 2017] 'In The Next Room or The Vibrator Play' at Greenbelt1 OnStage Theatre!

After the intriguing and riveting play Agnes of God, Repertory Philippines, popularly known as REP, brings us an equally interesting yet completely different play, still part of its 50th anniversary.

opening night

Written by multi-awarded playwright Sarah Ruhl, In The Next Room or The Vibrator Play is a provocative and touching dramedy (drama-comedy) in a Victorian setting that will surely hit the spot for that pleasurable experience.

Elizabeth as the wet nurse

At the same era as the birth of electricity, a newly invented electronic device was installed in the operating theater, also called "the next room", where Dr. Givings is practicing gynecology and treatment of hysteria. Catherine, the doctor's wife, curiously listens at the screams behind the door and wonders what makes the patients happy, calm, and blooming after the treatment. What happens in the next room? How are patients treated? Why do they keep coming back?

Sabrina Daldry on her treatment

Although the play shows how the machine treats hysteria by "releasing the congestion in the womb and inviting the juices downward" through "paroxysms", In The Next Room or The Vibrator Play is never salacious nor tasteless. The title may tickle your imagination, but Sarah Ruhl is so brilliant to address such topic with hilarity and at the same time touch a spot in our hearts.

Sabrina Daldry and Catherine Givings

More than the comic relief whenever the vibrator is being used (or just the thought of using it), the play tackles a deeper level of struggle in women in an era surrounded by male dominance. There's a feeling of insufficiency, not only of breastmilk but also of being a mother, when Catherine cannot breastfeed her own child due to poor milk supply and they had to resort to a wet nurse. Negligence when Dr. Givings cannot even listen to Catherine's physical and emotional needs. In the next room, Dr. Givings is providing treatment, while on the other, mistreatment. Catherine desperately wanted to resort to the vibrator to fill the loneliness which later on she learned can be achieved with her husband.

Leo Irving as the only male patient

The elaborate costumes and the stage setup were a feast for the eyes. But the actors didn't just let the stage take them up. Giannina Ocampo as Catherine Givings had the most part and was able to depict Catherine's journey from loneliness to discovery, still full of heart yet at times candid. I had the most laughs every time Caisa Borromeo as Sabrina Daldry appears on stage. She was able to establish humor that a mere sight of her and the thought that she'd go for the vibrator again provoked hilarity. Jef Flores who played Leo Irving was a breath of fresh air with his confidence and poetic lines. Hans Eckstein as Mr. Daldry may had few stage appearances but was never short of character and talent. Both Tamie Monsod as Annie and Cara Barredo as Elizabeth balanced the atmosphere with simplicity and serenity. Last but not the least, Joshua Spafford as Dr. Givings played the role with utmost professionalism and dignity. The funniest when his character didn't even want to be funny.


Catherine Givings discovering a new feeling with the vibrator	Dr. Givings and Catherine Givings

Directed by Chris Millado, In The Next Room or The Vibrator Play leaves you with good vibrations that will make you feel ticklish and touched at the same time.

Joshua Spafford as Dr. Givings, Chris Millado (director), Hans Eckstein as Mr. Daldry, Cara Barredo as Elizabeth, Tami Monsod as Annie, Giannina Ocampo as Catherine Givings, Caisa Borromeo as Sabrina Daldry, Jef Flores as Leo Irving

Repertory Philippines: In The Next Room or The Vibrator Play

OnStage Theatre
2F Greenbelt 1, Paseo de Roxas St., Makati City

Show Schedule:
Fridays MAR24 / MAR31 / APR07 / APR21 - 8:00 PM
Saturdays MAR25 / APR01 / APR08 / APR22 - 3:30 PM, 8:00 PM
Sundays MAR26 / APR02 / APR09 / APR23 - 3:30 PM

TicketWorld

Disclaimer: I was invited as a blogger to feature this show. I did not pay anything.