Written by orange• November 13, 2021• 8:47 pm• Review, Santa Ana, The Wayward Artist, Theater, Uncategorized

The Wayward Artist Presents : THE NETHER @ Grand Central Art Center in Santa Ana – Review

(Photo courtesy: Francis Gacad)

Written by Patrick Chavis

Disclaimer: This review and show cover mature themes.

The Wayward Artist opens its doors to the public for the first time in over a year with possibly one of their most risqué plays to date – The Nether, written by Jennifer Haley. One of the play’s themes is pedophilia. I know this is a bridge too far for some, but this is why this play is advertised as a mature show for adults. So, don’t come to this show if you’re not 18 and up. Wayward Artist’s production of The Nether explores one potentially problematic feature of a fully realized virtual world and its philosophical implications through a sci-fi, futuristic lens.

Wyn Moreno (Papa), Jacqueline Jade “(Iris)

The Nether is a sci-i theatre in the tradition of The Twilight Zone. Still, it hews closer to the more contemporary Black Mirror, a TV show about the adverse effects future technology could have on society. The Nether is a fully immersive virtual world you can log into. While in The Nether, you can act out your wildest fantasies, whether joyful or dark. When Detective Morris, played by Adjovi Alice Koene, discovers something truly horrific in this virtual world, she begins investigating the people behind it.

Set:

Mauri Anne Smith’s scenic design, in collaboration with Maddie Deckard’s sound and video design, is engaging. Televisions with various images being projected cover the wall on the stage. As you go through the show, the images change in contrast to what happens in the show. On the ceilings of the theatre are branches of trees. There are two tables. One is used mainly for integration scenes, and the other is when characters need a strong drink, which you often see in dramas.

Story:

The story is told well. Although initially confusing, the story threads become increasingly apparent as things progress. To satisfy an 85-minute run time, the exposition at the beginning of this play feels forced. There are better ways to go about this, but it gets the job done and lets the audience digest a lot of information quickly. The play is so plot-focused they forget to focus on the atmosphere around it. So many creative possibilities exist, but they’re not utilized.

Acting:

It was opening night, so you’ll notice hiccups even in a strong cast. This show was not the exception to the rule. Also, the acting from a few specific actors, especially in the early parts of the play, lack a sense of comfort on stage, but it does improve as the show progresses. Jacqueline Jade, who plays Iris in this production, pulls off one of the better performances I’ve seen all year. She brought the character alive on stage. The back and forth between her and Wyn Moreno, who plays Papa, is one of the play’s most intense and exciting moments. Moreno is a good casting choice for the character and not only for his acting. In contrast to other characters, his tall, imposing figure adds another dramatic element to the surface.

Under the direction of Craig Tyrl, the Wayward Artist put on a surprisingly brave and entertaining production of sci-fi theater that features some of the best performances to come out of Orange County this year.