“What do you see?”
Two men. Both artists.
One older, one younger. Both on a precipice.
And RED, so much red.
Written by award-winning author John Logan, RED takes audiences inside the studio of Mark Rothko and into the psyche of one of America’s most renowned artists. Directed by Kenzie Dalie, RED is a love letter to painting, and to the artists who bring these works to life. A dynamic two-hander which is passionately performed, RED won’t have you seeing red, but rather seeing the light in the darkness.
Photo by Damon McLean
“What do you see?” An artists’ studio, with paint cans and canvasses: some canvasses already with paint on them, others await the artists brush. Pigments and ashtrays and a record player, the essentials for Rothko to work. Paint streaked clothes, or someone’s Sunday best, only one of which belongs in such a studio. Dalie’s set design and Kathleen Welch’s costume design immerse the audience in Rothko’s New York studio, as smoke and operas fill the air and men’s wingtip shoes get exchanged for loafers or white sneakers (which don’t stay white for long). The paintings which adorn the room have been created by a local artist, Ian Harper. These Rothkoesque works, with their black and red hues, though thankfully not of quite the same size, are available for purchase after the run of the show.
Photo by Damon McLean
“What do you see?” A powerful question from Rothko to his new assistant, Ken, and the first question of many. This opening line sets the tone perfectly for Logan’s play. RED is a fictionalized account of a period in Rothko’s life where he was well established, and now taking on huge commissions for three massive mural projects. We watch as he and his assistant work over the course of two years to get the final commission finished. As they work, they talk about art, life, colour, and the feelings those colours evoke. They talk about the other artists and art movements which are taking the outside world by storm. They debate, argue, tell stories and divulge deep truths all while waiting for the muse to strike and create another painting.
Photo by Damon McLean
“What do you see?” Two actors taking on career defining roles: Lindsay G. Merrithew and Brendan Kinnon star as Rothko and Ken. Merrithew is a passionate, at times pompous, but always critical and thoughtful Rothko, deftly embodying the artist. Kinnon is at first shy and reserved, yet we watch Ken blossom over his time with Rothko and that trust and boldness is beautifully portrayed. The two of them have an intense and rich chemistry: it’s clear that at first Ken is slightly besotted with and certainly in awe of Rothko, but as the story progresses and the sparring between the two hits a fever pitch, they’ve suddenly hit another level of their relationship where Rothko begins to see Ken as another creative being rather than merely his employee. That shift is palpable in the space, a testament to the talent of the performances we’re witnessing.
Photo by Damon McLean
“What do you see?” Art. Passion. Heart. Philosophy. Theory. Practice. Love. Pain. Trauma. Healing. All of this and more from this production of RED. I’ve never really been smitten with Rothko’s works; I never fully understood the giant swaths of colour and blocky images. Yet after sitting with these paintings for a while, after hearing how he wanted them to be viewed and appreciated, I realized I hadn’t given them the full breadth of the attention they need. I’ll never look at a Rothko the same way again.
RED runs in the BMO Incubator at The Theatre Centre until April 6. For more information and tickets, visit: https://theatrecentre.org/event/red/
Cover Photo: Lindsay G. Merrithew and Brendan Kinnon. Photo by Damon McLean.
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