Culver City Observer -

The cast is set for “The Nether,” a new play by Jennifer Haley in which the moral complexity of the increasingly pervasive and addictive world of virtual reality is explored.

“The Nether” will have its world premiere at the Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City March 19 through April 14. The opening is scheduled for March 24.

Directed by CTG Associate Artistic Director Neel Keller, the cast, which began rehearsals this week, features Brighid Fleming, Adam Haas Hunter, Robert Joy, Dakin Matthews and Jeanne Syquia. The scenic design is by Adrian Jones, costume design by Alex Jaeger, lighting design by Christopher Kuhl and sound design by John Zalewski. Casting is by Erika Sellin and the production stage manager is Kirsten Parker.

“The Nether” tantalizes with timely, thought-provoking questions about the growing sophistication of the digital realm, and the possibility that it will become a more fulfilling place to “live” than the real world.

Set in the not-too-distant future, where a detective investigates a highly interactive site in which taboo acts of secret desires are blurring the boundaries of right and wrong, and of virtual and real. She finds herself in a battle of wills with a charismatic suspect and wrestles with the question, is it a crime if the blood is just bits of computer code?

Tickets for “The Nether” are available by calling (213) 628-2772, online at http://www.CenterTheatreGroup.org, in person at the Center Theatre Group box office at the Ahmanson Theatre or two hours prior to performances at the Kirk Douglas Theatre box office. .

February 13, 2013