Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended
"...Fillinger can tell a dramatic story - she can really tell a story, and I suspect any TV network in receipt of this script would have its interest immediately perked. You can see that she can pack more moment-by-moment tension into a play than most playwrights ever manage in their careers and Jones responds by forging a heightened production that holds your attention easily and lets Stock's performance take hold of the show, as it should."
Chicago Sun Times - Somewhat Recommended
"...On opening night the play was greeted with applause as well as some audible (and rather unusual) booing. I could have gone either way - applauding for the sharpness of the writing and vivid performances, while objecting to the all too fashionable forms of manipulation at work in the storytelling. And to be sure, it is a story whose topicality certainly took wing in the wake of President Trump's ban on travelers from seven nations in the Middle East."
Daily Herald - Recommended
"...Fillinger gives us plenty to ponder in this sharply written, 90-minute courtroom drama about an American teenager and convert to Islam who's recruited by terrorists into aiding their cause."
Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...Selina Fillinger's new play, receiving its world premiere production at Northlight, is much subtler than its glib premise might lead you to believe. An ambitious, Harvard-educated Muslim lawyer is forced to face faith and family when she's asked to lead the prosecution against a hijab-wearing white suburban teen (and recent convert) who fell for a terrorist on Twitter and subsequently announced her allegiance to ISIS."
Time Out Chicago - Recommended
"...For much of its first half, Faceless has a sharp-elbowed satirical streak, where serious issues of race, religion, fake news and criminal justice are filtered through the trial lawyer's cynical craft. It's the kind of play where an (entirely accurate) accusation of tokenism is not denied, but readily agreed upon as the best way to win. This kind of dialogue, as sparkling, self-assured and funny as it often is, does have the effect of leaving little room for subtext."
ChicagoCritic - Recommended
"...We also see how religious dress and rituals can affect societies perception of Moslems. This is a riveting and superbly acted drama. Susaan Jamshich and Lindsay Stock anchor the play with their wrenching performances. Their anger, fear, and dismay fuels the drama. Faceless is powerful as it leaves audiences thinking about how America should handle Online requiting of vulnerable young Americans? In our age of Trump, we must keep from being too harsh on "want-to-be" terrorists. This is a worthy presentation of that problem."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"... Every day, our country (as well as others) seems to have actions of terrorism, either acted upon, or being planned. The news, whether on TV or the internet, in a newspaper (some of you still remember the printed page, I hope) or on the radio, we hear of some group that has conspired to attack some other group. Often it is because of or due to ISIS, where they are recruiting our own American youngster , many of whom are confused into becoming members. Those who are lost and in need of love or reassurance might just gravitate to find the things missing from their lives."
Third Coast Review - Recommended
"...The work of an emerging playwright, Faceless illustrates Fellinger's potential in spades. Bolstered by a capable cast and sensible direction, the piece breezily covers a swath of complex subjects. There is great thematic depth and maturity to its balanced exploration of terrorism and Islam at a time fraught with incendiary and ill-informed rhetoric. Even better, Fellinger's tightly wound courtroom drama is injected with a healthy dose of wit, distinguishing the narrative from more contrived television procedurals."
NewCity Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...BJ Jones directs a production that is as compelling to look at as it is to discuss. The quick pacing allows for a sense of authenticity and Stephan Mazurek’s clever projection design (projected texts and brightly colored emojis) perfectly captures Susie’s online world while a creepy ISIS recruiter is seen only as a shadow hiding behind a screen. As relevant as the plot is to today’s political world, the timeless themes of identify and discovery offered here will undoubtedly resonate well past the current president’s term."
