Red
by John Logan
Directed by Alan Knoll
New Jewish Theatre
July 25, 2024
Dustin Lane Petrillo, Christopher Harris
Photo by Jon Gitchoff
New Jewish Theatre
The New Jewish Theatre’s latest production is a fascinating lesson in art, history, and life. John Logan’s Red looks at abstract artist Mark Rothko in a way that illuminates not only his work, but his reasons behind it, his life philosophies, and the changing trends in art in the middle of the 20th Century. It’s a dynamic, literate, thoughtful piece that serves as an excellent showcase for two talented actors and gives the audience a lot to think about and learn.
The story takes place in Rothko’s New York studio in the years 1958 and 1959, as the artist (Christopher Harris) works on a now well-known series of paintings known as the Seagram murals, which were originally commissioned to hang on the walls in the Four Seasons Restaurant. It’s a fictionalized account, featuring a young assistant named Ken (Dustin Lane Petrillo) who starts his job at the beginning of the play and serves as a sounding board and occasional foil for Rothko as he undertakes this ambitious job that doesn’t seem to make a lot of sense, as a swanky Manhattan eatery doesn’t seem like an ideal place for the silence and contemplation that Rothko envisions as appropriate for his work. Through the course of the 90 minute play, we get to see Rothko at work, as well as seeing and hearing his thoughts about art and life, as well as his impassioned commitment to his work and ideals. Through the voice of the younger aspiring artist Ken, Rothko is also challenged about his philosophy toward art and his response to newer trends in the art world such as Pop Art represented by Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and others. Ideas such as the commercialization of art, the reflection of the artists’ life and suffering on their work, and more are brought up in while the audience gets to see–to the degree that one play is able–the sheer amount of energy and effort that goes into painting such an ambitious series of works.
It’s somewhat difficult to describe this play without making it seem overly cerebral and talky, but it does not come across that way on stage. What we see onstage is the personality of an artist and his relationship with his art, as well as a tangible sense of dynamic energy that goes into every moment. The pacing by director Alan Knoll and the intensely dedicated performances of the two actors make this show a must-see in itself, with Harris bringing a confrontational, passionate interpretation of Rothko and Petrillo also convincing as the idealistic young assistant. These two work especially well together, with their contrasting characters and complementary energy. Watching them dive into the job, sparring with words and priming canvases with gusto, is alternately fascinating, challenging, and thrilling. There’s also an excellent use of music that works as a background and mood-setter for their work.
The set by Margery and Peter Spack is vividly detailed, recreating the atmosphere of the artist’s studio in a gritty, meticulous way. There’s also top-notch lighting by Jayson M. Lawshee that plays into the story well, and excellent sound design by Justin Smith. Michele Friedman Siler’s costumes are also memorable, suiting the characters well and reflecting the styles of the late 1950s with credible authenticity.
Red is a remarkable piece of theatre. It’s a work of art about works of art, and the artist behind them, and sheds light on the work and thought that goes into abstract art, even if it may look “simple” on the surface. Rothko is a complex, important figure in the art world, and this play works as a look at the artist himself as well as the changing ideals in the art world and the contrast between idealism and commercialism. It’s a fascinating show, and this production at NJT is a first-rate, dynamic experience.
Christopher Harris, Dustin Lane Petrillo
Photo by Jon Gitchoff
New Jewish Theatre
The New Jewish Theatre is presenting Red at the J’s Wool Studio Theatre until August 11, 2024
