The Gate Theatre's adaptation of Valeria Luiselli's novel 'Faces in the Crowd' has received mixed reviews, praised for its imagination but criticised for its confusion. Ellen McDougall's production attempts to weave three narratives about a woman feeling unseen, but struggles to cohere.
Jimena Larraguivel stars as the nameless Woman, whose story unfolds across Mexico, New York, and through the life of early 20th-century poet Gilberto Owen. While Larraguivel brings gentle charm, the character remains distant until a late outburst of frustration.
Supporting performances include Neil D'Souza as the architect husband and Anoushka Lucas as a haunting musician. However, the production's cleverness often overshadows emotional impact, leaving audiences wrestling with the material rather than feeling it.
Jessica Hung Han Yun's lighting and George Dennis's sound design effectively evoke settings like New York streets and cafes, capturing fleeting moments that define the story. Yet, the adaptation ultimately fails to make the woman's struggle to be seen fully felt.
