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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
A narrative that can be interpreted to have a hidden meaning, often related to history, society, morality, or religion.
Relating to the reign of Queen Victoria (1837-1901) or a person who lived in the Victorian era.
Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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Guide Written By:
Kevan Dunkelberg
Oklahoma-based drama teacher, actor and playwright