Red

Red - a play about Abstract Expressionist Mark Rothko is currently showing at the MTC in Melbourne and gives an insight into the work, personality and inspiration behind the tortured artist. It is set in Rothko's  New York studio in 1958-9 where he is working on a group of murals for the expensive and exclusive Four Seasons restaurant. Through the interaction of Rothko and his long suffering asssitant Ken,questions are raised about Rothko's theories of art and his willingness to work on such a commercial project.

Set of MTC production of Red

 

 

Mark Rothko Sketch for "Mural No.4" 1958

 Written by the American writer John Logan, the play was first produced by The Donmar Warehouse in London in 2009 with Alfred Molina in the lead as Rothko. The play and Molina went on to win numerous awards in London and in  March 2010 moved to Broadway where it also won 2 Tonys.The Melbourne production stars Colin Friels as Mark Rothko and André de Vanny as Ken, his assistant who both give great and convincing performances.

The Mark Rothko room at The Tate Gallery, London - the home of the set of murals originally commisioned for The Four Seasons Restaurant, NYC

Dramatic scene from the play

Red runs until 5 May at the Sumner Theatre in Melbourne - we enjoyed it immensely and would definitely recommend you catch it if you can