The Nether at UWaterloo Theatre of the Arts

UWaterloo's Theatre and Performance presents their Winter 2026 production of The Nether, written by Jennifer Haley and directed by Zachary McKendrick.

When a young detective uncovers a disturbing brand of entertainment, she triggers an interrogation into the darkest corners of the imagination. This serpentine crime drama and haunting sci-fi thriller explores the consequences of living out our private dreams.

On stage March 25-28, The Nether is a thought-provoking exploration of the ethical, psychological, and moral implications of virtual reality and, by extension, the challenges and consequences of contemporary digital life. Set in a near-future world where immersive virtual environments (the Nether) allow people to fully engage in dark, curated experiences, the play raises questions about identity, personal responsibility, free will, and the consequences of these digital spaces.

UWaterloo’s production is a mixed-reality performance with actors on stage and in Virtual Reality, and asks: in a virtual world, what is real if no physical bodies are involved?

Appropriate for ages 16 and up
75 minutes, no intermission
Talkback and guest speakers after every show