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| Eric Hissom, Katie deBuys and Kimberly Gilbert |
In the Next Room or the vibrator play is classic Woolly Mammoth. I think they'd say the same if you asked them. The title is quite literal; the set is predicated on two distinct rooms in a house, one of which serves as a doctor's office serving "hysterical" women. It's a period play set just after the widespread use of electricity paved the way for heaps of inventions, including the electric vibrator.
But it's the extra programming that make the production. Woolly has added some neat programs to compliment the Tony nominated play (Best Play). In the Next Room was written by Sarah Ruhl and directed by Aaron Posner. The production covers themes outside of sexuality, including relationships, marriage, commitment, motherhood, death, women's issues and race issues.
The extras include ongoing and one-time events. I missed last night's Audience Salon discussion with Amanda Hess and Zack Rosen. Anyone make that? Here are some of the other audience engagement pieces offered by Woolly:
Girls Night Out: TONIGHT! At the theater. Ladies, this pre-show happy hour is for you. The folks from Passion Parties will be there, you can meet some of the cast and, if you get lucky, go home wiiiiiiiith.... a new toy. Not a boy toy. A toy. Probably battery powered.
Secret Desires: Ongoing. There is a little black box right next to the snack bar. Anyone can anonymously drop a note inside the bar revealing their, well, secret desires. I mean, people are taking this literally. There were some crazy ones on the board at the showing I attended. Here are a few samples.
Post Show Discussions: September 5 (3pm show), September 9 (8pm show) and September 12 (3pm show). An all inclusive discussion of the show --production, plot conventions and themes-- with other audience members and Woolly staff and artists.
Antique Vibrator Display: Ongoing. Courtesy of New York's Museum of Sex (yes, there is such a thing) the theater is displaying several antique vibrators. Not sure what my first impression was, but let's just say I couldn't imagine any of these machines relieving anyone of any ailment... maybe creating some ailments, but not getting rid of them.
In the Next Room or the vibrator play runs through September 26. Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company is located at 641 D Street NW in downtown DC.
Have at it. And enjoy!
Have at it. And enjoy!
