Cautionary tales of past and future brought me to a place of deep contemplation last week. Two shows premiered last week, Radium Girls and The Nether, both of which are offering very powerful messages. I found myself for several days processing these works and talking to many people about my experience.
I have included some photos (view here) from Radium Girls and a bit of insight from the director of The Nether. I hope these plays help to start conversations about where our society is heading. For a deeper look into these shows scroll down to the rest of the article.
- How do we shape our society with new technologies?
- Can those new technologies make our lives better?
- What do we do when those new technologies prove to offer unexpected challenges?
Radium Girls–Lessons from the past to take into the future
Radium Girls take place in 1917 at The United states Radium Factory in Orange, New Jersey, where female workers contracted radiation poisoning from painting watch dials with self-luminous paint. This is a true story of the ignorance of new technology and the arrogance when the technology proves to be more dangerous than expected.
Radium Girls a visual treat and well-acted. The depth of the story outshines this well balanced production. The set is very elaborate and the lighting is wonderfully moody. This is an emotional subject offered in an entertaining presentation.
When I left I felt my thoughts going back to a time when I worked in factories, at times doing things that I knew were potentially dangerous just to make production. Perhaps you will look at the way industry operates in a bit of a different light after seeing this show?
Written by: DW Gregory | Directed by: McKenzi Swinehart
Evening Showdates: 2/11*, 2/12, 2/13, 2/18*, 2/19, 2/20 @ 7:30p
Matinee Showdates: 2/14 (cast talk-back), 2/20, 2/21 @ 2:00p
For more information go to: renolittletheater.org
The Nether–A cautionary futuristic tale with a Victorian flare
Set in the near future The Nether will take you to a time where the internet has evolved into “The Nether” a vast network of virtual reality realms. Make no mistake this play is at heart a sci-fi crime drama, but with a question of morality as well.
What would you do in a place with no consequences?
Well-acted and wonderfully directed this is an 80 minute production that will at times make you uncomfortable and spark deep conversations after. I feel this is an important play, taking a look at what the future may hold for society. The five players bring this story to life and hold the audience to the edge of their seats till the end.
I would be very interested in hearing what you think of The Nether. Leave a comment below.
A play by Jennifer Healey, directed by Eric Damon Smith.
Performances:
Friday February 12 7:30 -9:30pm
Saturday February 13 7:30-9:30pm
Thursday February 18 7:30-9:30pm
Friday February 19 7:30 -9:30pm
Saturday February 20 7:30-9:30pm
Thursday February 25 7:30-9:30pm
Friday February 26 7:30 -9:30pm
Saturday February 27 7:30-9:30pm
For more information: goodluckmacbeth.org
Coming Up
Hey Brother presented by The Merry War Theater at The Potentialist Theatre
The Merry War Theater is led by Chase McKenna and every production I have seen from them has been very entertaining. This time they are at The Potentialist Theater offering Hey Brother, an examination of life, Family, and emotions.
I am looking forward to seeing this production.
The play runs: Feb. 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, and 27 at 7:30pm and Feb. 21st at 2:00pm
The Potentialist Workshop Theatre is located at 836 E. 2nd St. Reno, NV
Written by Bekah Brunstetter
Directed by Chase McKenna
Tickets and more information available at: www.merrywar.com or call 775-848-9892.
The Streets IZ Watching at Sierra Arts
This is an exhibit by Joe C. Rock, and from what I have heard delivers quite the impact. Taking a look at street art Joe takes his years of experience to create this exhibit. I will be seeing it soon.
Sierra Arts Foundation
17 S. Virginia St. #120
Reno, NV 89501
phone 775.329.2787
