Renaissance Theaterworks presents: THE NETHER

​By Mary Boyle

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.  Disturbing and thought-provoking, this play forces us to confront the complexities of a virtual world that is all too near, through the lens of morality, without leading audiences to any particular answers.  Renaissance Theaterworks in Milwaukee is no stranger to taking on plays that push people beyond their comfort zones, and I can say with great certainty that you will be uncomfortable when you enter THE NETHER.

Directed by Milwaukee’s own Elyse Edelman, The Nether is the name given to the virtual world in the not so distant future; a world where nearly everyone works and goes to school, and a world that has become so real and full of possibility that many people prefer to spend their lives there than in the real world, where trees have become mostly extinct and face-to-face human interactions are rare.  Mr. Sims (Steve Koehler), a handsome older gentleman in a pin-striped suit, and Mr. Doyle (C. Michael Wright), a shabby elderly man who was once a teacher, have been brought in for questioning by Detective Morris (Laura Gray).  Apparently, Mr. Sims has created a very popular realm in The Nether; a beautiful Victorian home called The Hideaway where several young children live, including a charming young girl named Iris (double cast as Josie Van Slyke/Zoah Hirano).  However, entry into this seemingly idyllic realm is strictly for adults like Mr. Doyle, who is a frequent visitor.  Morris presents evidence gained by an undercover agent, known in The Hideaway as Mr. Woodnut (Dimonte Henning), but since the horrors experienced in the realm aren’t real, were any crimes committed?

The cast, made up entirely of local actors, is incredibly talented and believable in their roles, which makes the play even more disturbing.  I was shocked to see Steve Koehler, who is best known for his role as Lloyd in Guys On Ice, a goofy take on Door County ice fishing culture, as the serious and angry Mr. Sims; he delivered a flawless RTW debut performance.  Milwaukee favorites Dimonte Henning, C. Michael Wright, and Laura Gray were equally solid.  The role of Iris is double cast with two First Stage Young Company actors, Zoah Hirano and Josie Van Slyke.  I saw Josie Van Slyke, who was seen recently in YC’s production of The Tempest, as well as last season at RTW in The Wolves; she was so impressive in this show and is certainly a young performer to watch.

Although no violence or sex is depicted, THE NETHER is not for young audiences.  In fact, if those topics are very upsetting to you, this play may not be for you, either.  That being said, I feel that sex and violence on the internet or in virtual reality are topics that desperately need to be addressed, and this production is an excellent conversation starter.  While the play was written over a decade ago and meant to take place in some dystopian future, some of the problems that are brought to light in the story are already a reality.  THE NETHER will make you feel deeply uncomfortable; it should make you feel deeply uncomfortable, because that is what will make us take action and, hopefully, prevent this virtual tale from becoming our horrific reality.

THE NETHER runs through February 2, 2025, at the Theater on 255 S. Water Street in Milwaukee’s Harbor District. Tickets are available at r-t-w.com 24 hours-a-day, by phone at 414-278-0765 or in person at the box office, 255 S. Water St., from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily and 2 hours before performances.
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About Renaissance Theaterworks
RTW is Milwaukee’s first professional theater company founded and led by women and the nation’s second-oldest professional theater devoted to gender equality. RTW is a resident company at 255 South Water St. in Milwaukee’s Harbor District, with increased capacity and improved accessibility.