The Nether

A SAMUEL FRENCH, INC. TITLE

The Nether

Full-Length Play, Drama  /  1w, 3m, 1girl(s)

Jennifer Haley

The Nether is a virtual wonderland that provides total sensory immersion. Just log in, choose an identity and indulge your every desire. But when a young detective uncovers a disturbing brand of entertainment, she triggers an interrogation into the darkest corners of the imagination.

Image: 2015 MCC Theater Production (Jenny Anderson)

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The Nether

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  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    1w, 3m, 1girl(s)
  • Duration
    Duration
    75 Minutes
  • SubGenre
    Subgenre
    Mystery/Thriller, Science Fiction
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult
Accolades
Accolades
  • Nominee! 2015 Olivier Award for Best Play
    Nominee! Lucille Lortel Award - Outstanding Play, 2015
    Winner! 2012 Susan Smith Blackburn Prize
The Nether

Details

Summary

The Nether is a virtual wonderland that provides total sensory immersion. Just log in, choose an identity and indulge your every desire. But when a young detective uncovers a disturbing brand of entertainment, she triggers an interrogation into the darkest corners of the imagination. Winner of the 2012 Susan Smith Blackburn Prize, The Nether is both a serpentine crime drama and haunting sci-fi thriller that explores the consequences of living out our private dreams.

History
The Nether received its world premiere at the Center Theatre Group in LA in 2013, under the direction of Neel Keller. The play was subsequently produced in 2014 by the Royal Court Theatre and Headlong in London, directed by Jeremy Herrin. This production will open on the West End in 2015 at the Duke of York's Theatre. Also in 2015, The Nether will receive its New York City premiere by MCC at the Lucille Lortel Theatre, directed by Anne Kauffmann.
Keywords
Performing Groups

SIMS/PAPA - A successful businessman
MORRIS - A young female detective
DOYLE - A middle-aged science teacher
IRIS - A shining little girl
WOODNUT - A fresh-faced guest

  • Time Period The Future
  • Setting

    Various locations, and the Nether Realm. 

  • Features Contemporary Costumes/Street Clothes
  • Additional Features No Intermission
  • Duration 75 Minutes
  • Cautions
    • Intense Adult Themes

Media

"Deeply disturbing and provocative" - The Independent, Read More 

"The Nether is a gripping and deeply disconcerting look at the Internet and its role in one of the most disturbing issues of our times." - The Telegraph, Read More  

"‘The Nether’ is an emotional detective story first and foremost." - Time Out London, Read More  

"Haley has taken as her subject several of the most fearsome betes noires of our age: paedophilia, the internet’s sinister imaginative power, and the symbiotic relationship between the two." -The Guardian, Read More

Videos

  • Interview with Playwright Jennifer Haley youtube thumbnail

    Interview with Playwright Jennifer Haley

  • The Nether trailer - Woolly Mammoth Theatre youtube thumbnail

    The Nether trailer - Woolly Mammoth Theatre

  • Jennifer Haley on producing The Nether youtube thumbnail

    Jennifer Haley on producing The Nether

  • Experience the Sci-Fi Stage Thriller "The Nether" youtube thumbnail

    Experience the Sci-Fi Stage Thriller "The Nether"

  • Jennifer Haley on The Nether youtube thumbnail

    Jennifer Haley on The Nether

  • A Look Inside MCC Theater's THE NETHER youtube thumbnail

    A Look Inside MCC Theater's THE NETHER

  • The Nether at the Kirk Douglas Theatre youtube thumbnail

    The Nether at the Kirk Douglas Theatre

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Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: £70 per performance plus VAT when applicable.

    Please submit a license request to determine availability.

Scripts

Available Formats:
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Authors

Jennifer Haley

Jennifer Haley
Jennifer Haley is a playwright whose work delves into ethics in virtual reality and the impact of technology on our human relationships, identity, and desire. She won the 2012 Susan Smith Blackburn Prize, a Los Angeles Ovation Award and the Francesca Primus Prize for her play ...
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