JUSTIN CALLISCH (left) and Christopher Spencer in “Nether” at Golden West College.

By Thom deMartino/Orange County Tribune
Unfettered, in a world without consequences, how dark might the games we play become? How corrupted our imaginations?

Director Tom Amen and the Golden West College Mainstage Theater pose these and other troubling questions in their compelling new production of the Jennifer Haley play, “The Nether.”

In an uncomfortably near future, with the planet in the midst of ecological breakdown, the Internet has evolved into the Nether: a near-infinite series of escapist virtual reality “realms” for visitors to log into, choose an identity, and immerse themselves in.

However, unlike the online world, there are still consequences in the real, physical one – and when it’s discovered that a particular virtual realm, “The Hideaway”, has been designed as a playground for pedophiles, Detective Morris (Carolyn Feres) brings its creator, Mr. Sims (Christopher Spencer) in for questioning.

Morris threatens to permanently revoke his access to the Nether, grilling him about his motives, as well as the danger his realm might present: when his anonymous visitors to the Hideaway log off and are back in reality, does Sims genuinely think they can restrain their unhealthy desires?

The man known as “Papa” explains, “I am sick – I have always been sick, and there is no cure”, and rationalizes that in his little virtual Victorian-style kingdom, no one is being harmed, not really – it’s only digital characters, lines of code, no one is *really* getting abused or hurt… even when guests are indulging in bloody, ax-wielding murder in his domain.

Echoing “Papa’s” point about no actual victims in this realm is Cedric Doyle (Scott Keister), an award-winning schoolteacher of 40 years – and another patron of the Hideaway. “Sensation is our gateway” he tells Morris.
Himself questioned by the driven detective, he defends the VR program… all he wants to know is if he can keep the young digital girl, Iris (Story Gemmati) that he has become unusually close to.

Doyle even aspires to become a “shade” – a user who transfers their consciousness to the Nether, while their body dies in the analog world.

Iris herself is an innocent, effervescent presence: drawing visitors to the Hideaway with her vivacious yet gentle manner, she even charms the realm’s newest visitor, the young (and awkward) Mr. Woodnut (Justin Callisch).

Is it real, or fantasy? Therapeutic, or unhealthy obsession? Or is it a lesson that no one can truly resist or deny their nature?

In broaching a difficult topic, “The Nether” does open the viewer up to uncomfortable questions: what does absolute freedom truly look like? Can a virtual world actually help the mentally ill – a panacea for those with unacceptable drives, or is it just wallowing in the worst aspects of ourselves?

The cast does a masterful job of illustrating this, reflecting the flawed humanity of the characters, while making no excuses for their desires. Keister’s Doyle is a troubled, wounded soul, looking for some kind of peace; Feres’s Morris is driven, but profoundly disturbed by what she discovers; and Callisch’s Woodnut is himself enigmatic, almost an innocent himself as he wanders into this world and is fundamentally changed by it.

But the most powerful performances may well be Spencer’s “Papa” Sims and Ms. Gemmati’s Iris. Spencer’s Sims is pompous and self-assured – at least, when rationalizing his reasons to the investigator. But there are moments when we see the mask slip, when self-doubt creeps in: whether or not this is truly about absolute personal freedom, or merely an excuse to indulge in taboo.

And Ms. Gemmati gives a stellar performance in this challenging role; exuding innocence and playfulness, and yet acceptance of her role in this world – viewers may themselves discover that her glassy-eyed, angelic stare and tranquil, empty smile as she invites the axe to fall may be one of the most disturbing aspects of a brilliantly nuanced performance.

A striking theatrical work, with commanding portrayals by the cast – and also excellent set and costume design (note the metallic green worked into the set and costumes in the Hideaway scenes, reminiscent of The Matrix) – “The Nether” is one of those shows that will stay with you for some time afterwards, and leave you asking what the true cost of “absolute” freedom really is.

“The Nether”: Christopher Spencer, Carolyn Feres and Story Gemmati star in this futuristic story of the dangers of technology, and the depths of the human soul. Playing through Sunday, March 16 at the Golden West College Mainstage Theater, 15751 Gothard St., Huntington Beach, CA 92647. Tickets available through the box office at 714-895-8150, x1 or at http://www.gwctheater.com. Some adult subject matter.