Explore this Show
Overview
Synopsis
Do even the most vile acts become morally acceptable if they aren’t real? In the not-too-distant future, the internet has evolved into the Nether, a massive series of virtual reality realms where users can be anything they want and indulge in any fantasy. Hidden in the darkest corner of the Nether is an elaborately-crafted realm called The Hideaway, which caters to pedophiles. Sims, a successful businessman, has created The Hideaway as a virtual Victorian home where children serve his whims. He is especially fond of Iris, a simulated nine-year-old girl whose real-world identity is Doyle, a burned-out science teacher. Against the backdrop of artificial intelligence’s rise in prominence, The Nether is a disturbing allegory about the implications of unfettered technology and whether the limits of morality are stretched in a simulated world. The Nether has a small ensemble cast and deals with challenging and potentially disturbing themes like pedophilia.
Show Information
- Book
- Jennifer Haley
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Mature Audiences (M)
- Number of Acts
- 1
- First Produced
- 2013
- Genres
- Drama
- Settings
- Contemporary, Multiple Settings
- Time & Place
- A virtual Victorian house, An interrogation room, The future
- Cast Size
- small
- Licensor
- Concord Theatricals
- Ideal For
- College/University, Mature Audiences, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Small Cast, Includes Young Adult, Adult, Mature Adult, Child Characters
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
Songs
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
Allegory is a storytelling device in which characters, events, and settings represent abstract ideas or moral qualities. In theatre, allegorical plays often deliver social, political, or religious messages beneath their surface narrative.
Relating to the period of Queen Victoria’s reign (1837–1901), which influenced theatrical style, costume, and themes.
Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
Sorry! We do not currently have learning modules for this guide.
Quote Analysis
Sorry! We do not currently have learning modules for this guide.
Guide Written By:
Kevan Dunkelberg
Oklahoma-based drama teacher, actor and playwright