In 1978, technology historian Rachel Maines was researching needlework when she came across ads for vibrators in 19th century magazines. They were sold as medical treatment for women with "hysteria." Symptoms were depression, irritability, confusion and more. Maines' research is the basis of a play on stage in Salt Lake and a Hollywood film that opens here next month. Tuesday, we'll talk to Maines about the history of the vibrator and what it can still tell us about women's roles in society.
- Pygmalion Productions presents Sarah Ruhl's Pulitzer Prize-nominated play "In the Next Room, or The Vibrator Play" at the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center in downtown Salt Lake City through May 19. For tickets and information, call 801-355-ARTS or click here
- Hysteria, staring Maggie Gyllenhaal and Hugh Dancy is scheduled to open at the Broadway Centre Cinemas on June 15. Visit the Salt Lake Film Society for more information. The film opens May 18 in New York and LA. Visit Hysteria on Facebook
- Rachel Maines, The Technology of Orgasm: "Hysteria," the Vibrator, and Women's Sexual Satisfaction (Johns Hopkins Studies in the History of Technology)
Music from today's RadioWest:
- Bottesini, Allegretto Capriccio
- The XX, VCR
- Volcano Choir, Seeplymouth
