UWaterloo Theatre & Performance

It has now been two weeks since we closed our production of The Nether 🫆 Whether you caught it or not, take a walk down memory lane and check out these stunning archival photos by the talented William Innes!

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The Nether
By Jennifer Haley
A UWaterloo Theatre and Performance program production
March 2026
** Photography by William Innes, Peach Juice Creative

Directed by Zachary McKendrick
Set, Prop & Costume Design by Jay Havens
Virtual Scenography by Owen Brierley
Lighting & Video Design by Paul Cegys
Sound Design by Adam Campbell

Cast:
Sims / Papa = Ethan Warren
Morris = Brooke Daher
Doyle = Theo Patterson
Iris = Ariana Nicholson
Woodnut = Ariana Kobetic

Surprise!! Today we are sharing a bonus on Owen Brierley! Scan through his profile to learn more about his contribution to our production, and read an excerpt from another interview conducted by our Theatre and Performance program’s Publicity and Outreach Associate :) 🖲️➡️

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NAME: Owen Brierley
PRONOUNS: He/Him
ROLE: Virtual Scenographer

MEET THE VIRTUAL SCENOGRAPHER

Dr Owen Brierley is a distinguished figure in digital arts and technology, renowned for merging innovative teaching with pioneering research. Holding a PhD from the University of Calgary, his work delves into game engines as platforms for scholarly inquiry, examining the intersection of technology and human enhancement. Brierley’s educational philosophy emphasises risk-taking and dignity in inclusive settings, fostering environments where students can explore, grow, and express creatively. His transformative approach integrates technological applications with artistic principles, having held roles such as executive director and curriculum designer across various educational institutions.

WHAT IS YOUR ROLE IN THIS PRODUCTION AND HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED?

My involvement in The Nether started almost exactly a year ago over pints at a pub in Kingston Upon Thames in the UK. My friend and collaborator Zach told me he’d been given the green light to produce and direct the show at the University of Waterloo, and knowing I was friends with playwright Jennifer Haley and had a research interest in digital empathy, asked if I’d want to be part of it. I said yes immediately. I took on the virtual world design and build and started calling myself the Virtual Scenographer (fake it til you make it?), working from five time zones away while juggling my full-time role at Kingston School of Art at Kingston University London.

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Visit our Linktree to read the full interview with Owen (coming soon)! 💬

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