Review: FACELESS, Park Theatre

This play touches on pretty much everything. Politics, race, religion, womanhood and class are just a few of the notions investigated in Selina Fillinger's tightly written Faceless, inspired by true events, and currently running at the Park Theatre.

You could look at the topic and think that it'd be a heavy watch. To a degree it is, but Prav MJ's production is also humorous, exciting and not at all stereotypical. Every trial needs a villain - someone to assign blame to. In this case it's the white and blonde, Barbie resembling American, Susie Glenn (Fiona Gent).

Prosecuting is Claire Fathie (Paige Round), an obscure choice for such a high profile case like this. Why has she been picked? Because she's a Muslim herself. Her task is to find Glenn guilty of providing assistance to ISIS - which shouldn't be too hard, seeing as the evidence is everywhere.

Glenn has spent the past better half of the year communicating with Syrian fighter, Reza, through a variety of different means of technology. She also attempted to flee the country to marry him. It doesn't look good. The courtroom paints the picture that she's an enemy of the state - an impression that's hard to get out of your head.

Fillinger writes with a gorgeous humanity, showing both women to be incredibly vulnerable, yet brave. The text is funny, light-hearted but also weighted in a heavy undertone. Mixing fact with fiction, the stakes are at an ultimate high and MJ's direction keeps the pace at a natural flow.

The overall production is a success and the company should celebrate in the fact that they've created a something that sparks conversation and encourages the de-stigmatisation of the Muslim identity.

This is not a piece that condemns. Instead, it allows the audience to see the bigger picture; how can someone go so far astray? And when they do, can they ever return?

Faceless at the Park Theatre until 12 May

Photo credit: Pete Le May

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