The Missing is a flawed gem of a production. An adaptation from Andrew O’Hagan’s own novel, the production follows a writer as he interviews people who have had loved ones go ‘missing’.
And therein lies the production’s strength and weakness. While each story is heart-breaking and interesting, none of the tales are fully developed. Once the basics of the story behind the missing person are revealed, the production moves to another victim. This creates a dual effect: it disengages the audience from fully investing in any character (save the ever-present writer) but clearly highlights how frighteningly commonplace ‘mispers’ (missing persons) are in the UK.
There is still much to admire and be impressed by in John Tiffany’s production. The action flows quickly and the staging is inventive without feeling too gimmicky (though representing characters by different shoes does wear itself out). Tiffany’s ensemble of six slip back and forth between characters with ease, creating a tapestry of heartache and stoicism, while the design mixes haunting music and a clever projection/lighting effect to make the production all the more epic.
As moving and well-crafted as it is, it still feels like The Missing is, in fact, missing something. It works most of the time and it’s a shame its life ends so quickly, but it still needs a bit more of something.
On another note, artist Graham Fagen has a video installation that is on show concurrently. On its own it’s fine, but in conjunction with the play the piece takes a richer meaning. It’s certainly worth a look prior to going into the theatre.
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