The Nether

The Nether By Jennifer Haley

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Show Details

About The Nether, by Jennifer Haley

Synopsis:

“The Nether” by Jennifer Haley is a tense, thought-provoking play set in a near-future world where immersive virtual realities blur the line between right and wrong. When a detective investigates a disturbing online realm, she uncovers a dark network that raises unsettling questions about technology, morality, and the human psyche. A chilling exploration of digital desires and their real-world consequences.

Strongly Suggested for Adults/Older Teens
The play contains strong language and mature themes, specifically, discussions of virtual crimes including murder and sexual abuse. There are no enactments of sex or violence depicted.

Dates:
January 12 - February 2, 2025
Previews January 10* & 11
*Friday, Jan. 10 is our Pay-What-You-Choose Performance.

Estimated Run Time:
90 minutes

This Show is Sponsored by:
J. Michael Reavis

The Artists

Director: Elyse Edelman*
Production Stage Manager: Bailey Wegner*
Assistant Stage Manager: Sydney Smith
Technical Director: Tony Lyons
Scenic Design: Doug Dion
Lighting Design: Colin Gawronski
Costume Design: Karin Kopischke**
Prop Design: Maddy Yee
Sound Design: Brandon Reed**
Intimacy Direction: KaiLee Evans

Josie Performance Dates: (1/10, 1/12, 1/16, 1/18, 1/22, 1/24, 1/26, 1/30, 2/1).

Zoah Performance Dates: (1/11, 1/15, 1/17, 1/19, 1/23, 1/25, 1/29, 1/31, 2/2).

*Member of Actors' Equity Association
** Member of the United Scenic Artists of America

Accessible Performances & Community Events

Preview: Be the first to see the show!
Fri. Jan. 10, 7:30 p.m, Sat. Jan. 11, 4:00 p.m.

PWYC: “Pay What You Choose” suggested $20, first-come, first-served tickets, sold only at the theater 6:30pm-7:30pm, before the performance.
Fri. Jan. 10, 7:30 p.m.

Opening Night: Celebrate with the artists at a reception following the performance.
Sun. Jan. 12, 5:00 p.m.

Captioned Performances: Wed., Jan. 22, 1:30pm and Sat., Jan. 25, 4pm.

Wine Wed!: Enjoy a FREE glass of wine on Wed. evening performances. Arrive early! Must be 21+ to consume alcohol.
Wed. 7:30 p.m. Jan. 15, Jan. 22, Jan. 29.

Post-Show Talk: Stay after the show to discuss the play.
Fri. Jan. 17, 7:30 p.m.
Wed. Jan. 22, 1:30 p.m.

Play Club: This enhanced subscription includes a digital copy of the script, an invitation to the First Rehearsal and a private post-show discussion, with wine and cheese, led by RTW Artistic Director, Suzan Fete. Must be a Play Club subscriber to participate.
Sun. Jan. 19, 2:00 p.m.

Pre-Show Talk: Artistic Director Suzan Fete leads a conversation at 6:45pm.
Fri. Jan. 24, 7:30 p.m.

ASL Interpreted Performance:
Thu. Jan. 23, 7:30 p.m.

Sensory Friendly Performance: a specially modified and relaxed performance for people with sensory sensitivities.
Wed. Jan. 29, 1:30 p.m.

Audio Described Performance:
Fri. Jan. 31, 7:30 p.m.

Community Events:

SheLeads: Women in Business Networking Night
Thu. Jan. 16, 7:30 p.m.

Pride Night
Fri. Jan. 17, 7:30 p.m.

Media & Reviews

Reviews

Jim Higgins for Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

'The Nether' asks: Should crimes in virtual reality be punished in real world?

Renaissance Theaterworks' vivid new production of Jennifer Haley's drama, directed by Elyse Edelman, is compelling theater, but a sobering human experience.

Anne Siegel for Shepherd ExpressIn
“The Nether,” Renaissance Offers a Cautionary Tale from the Dark Web

Now in its 32nd season, Renaissance Theaterworks continues to challenge audiences with thought-provoking works. And the willingness to be challenged is certainly put to the test in The Nether, Jennifer Haley’s provocative play that opened last weekend. The show continues its run through February 2.

Cathy Jakicic for BroadwayWorld.com
Review: THE NETHER at Renaissance Theaterworks

Renaissance Theaterworks is known for producing thought-provoking theater, and it's latest offering - “The Nether” by Jennifer Haley is a beyond-perfect example. The ideas and characters in this complex story about the potential of artificial intelligence in today and tomorrow's realities will not be leaving the audience's mind for a good long time, if ever.

Russ Bickerstaff for TheSmallStage.com
Ethics and Identity on the Edge of Reality

The modern era finds contemporary culture moving deeper and deeper into a postmodern information society. As everything becomes information, culture rushes to try to understand the nature of reality on a fundamental level. Renaissance Theaterworks explores some of the implications of the modern age with a production of Jennifer Haley’s Nether.

Mary Boyle for Ozaukee Living Local
Renaissance Theaterworks Presents: THE NETHER

American playwright Jennifer Haley’s 2013 work, THE NETHER, is described as a sci-fi crime drama, which is certainly accurate; however, I think many audience members will walk away from this production with the distinct impression that it is a cautionary tale.