The Nether, the next Stage II play in the School of Theater, explores a moral dilemma in a not-too-distant-future dystopian society.
The Nether is a relatively short play (with about an hour and 15 minutes run time) set sometime in the near future. It focuses on an artificial reality, taking virtual reality a step further.
“Right now we’re right in the middle of a big, massive consumer turnout of virtual reality hitting the market, and that’s all sight and sound,” said Hal Kohlman, director and adjunct theater professor. “With artificial reality, add in not only sight, sound, but smell, taste, touch. So all five senses would be involved in fooling you into thinking you were in a different place.”
The play poses the question of what people would do with this intelligence.
“You can do anything in The Nether. You can play games, you can learn things – that’s kind of what school has been replaced by,” said Matt Tuley, acting sophomore and cast member.
The show focuses on a location called “The Hideaway,” in which people can live out their desires of pedophilia. Acts of pedophilia are addressed, but not shown onstage.
Kohlman said he hopes the play will start some discussion.
“The Nether is a play that sort of examines the absolute darkest possible use of what could be a wondrous technology,” he said.
Students said they are curious about the show.
“I think that’s a very odd concept to think about because it makes you think about a moral dilemma,” said Sarah Thias, dance sophomore. “You have to analyze what actually is wrong about the situation.”
Another student said he looks forward to the show.
“Hal is a capable director, and the cast is incredible. I expect great things,” said Dawson MacLeod, acting sophomore.
Haley Fortune, acting senior; Gareth Forsberg, acting freshman, and Matt Tuley, acting sophomore, will play lead roles in the production.
The Nether will have performances at 8 p.m. Nov. 3-5 and 2 p.m. Nov. 6 in the Black Box Theater in Wanda L. Bass Music Center. Tickets are $5 at the door.
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