Red by John Logan theatre production

The Melbourne Theatre Production ‘Red’ by John Logan, provides a potent dramatization into the life of the famous painter Mark Rothko and his notorious withdrawal of his last commission. The play gives insight into a hubristic and didactic man who “wants to be heard” and his art “to be understood” by the world. Through Friels’ clever acting choices; the manipulation of space and lighting; and the revealing ending scene, the production effectively engages the audience in the telling of his story. This production grippingly explores Rothko’s emotional struggle with the value of his work in the rapidly contemporizing world around him.

Rothko’s complex inner emotions are revealed through Friels’ effective facial and bodily expression. At the beginning of the play his large and swift bodily movements seem to communicate the typical persona of a New Yorker however throughout the play the audience learns that Rothko’s neurotic personality is due to his inner self-conflicts. The early introduction of Ken – a young man who represents the new generation of artists that threaten Rothko’s rule - into the scene, facilitates the exploration of Rothko’s need for validation of his own art due to his contemptuous attitude towards the new generation of ‘zeitgeist’ artists. When Rothko dismissively explains to Ken that “[ken is]not an artist because [ken is] not civilised” he stands in front of Ken authoritatively and waves his arms rapidly – conveying his need for appraisal and admiration. This is further corroborated when he voices outwards, “only those who have suffered deserve to walk” with a stern face and uplifted chin. Furthermore, his mocking stereotypical imitation of the high-browed upper class - “the smirking nation… where everything’s fine” - quickly allows the audience to sense that his arrogant and denigrating attitude is due to his own knowledge that his career is ending. This idea is explored when he rages hysterically by pacing frantically through the studio