Red

Red 3.5/5

Melbourne Theatre Company

Sumner Theatre, Melbourne
5^th May 2012
Playwright: John Logan
Cast: Colin Friels (Mark Rothko), Andre de Vanny (Ken)

Powerful examination of the tortured abstract expressionist artist Mark Rothko in his late’50’s studio.  Friel’s plays to the edge of total consumption by anger and self-doubt.  Ken’s interactions reveal Rothko’s back-history and the play’s one fault – Rothko’s unrelenting anger.  Whereas, Vanny grows with his character from timidity to a caring yet infuriated employee, what could have been merely foil becomes a counter-view.  Like Rothko’s art this is an uncluttered yet savage and profound work.

Performing Art: Theatre