Ladies & Gentleman - you do not want to miss Arena Stage's production of Red by John Logan! It has been extended through March 11th. Hurry...
This masterpiece is more than a look into the life of artist Mark Rothko. It is more than simply a tale of a painter and young boy who admires his work. The play exemplifies one of the arguments that the character of Rothko makes within the script itself - he argues that his paintings are living and he compares them to children. These paintings live and breathe. And as such, the best way to experience John Logan's work is to share in the same air as the actors - to breathe with them and watch them bring to life the words of the play.
The play is not for the those looking for something light, silly and carefree. This is quite the opposite really. You will be pushed to think and rationalize. I find the direction to be brilliant and I admire the director and actors allowing for moments when the play simply is. There are moments when the actors are mixing paint or taking in the art on the canvas. I admire life on stage - the ability to not rush and to just live. To some, these moments feel slow and without cause. I could see that it might take you out of the world of the play... maybe the director in me is coming out, but I live for watching actors on stage doing the simple and mundane.
The title suggests words synonymous with other things that are red - one might think of hearts, strawberries, tomato soup, a crayon, parts of the sunset, etc.
The title might seem simple or uncreative.
This play is so much more.
The play is not for the those looking for something light, silly and carefree. This is quite the opposite really. You will be pushed to think and rationalize. I find the direction to be brilliant and I admire the director and actors allowing for moments when the play simply is. There are moments when the actors are mixing paint or taking in the art on the canvas. I admire life on stage - the ability to not rush and to just live. To some, these moments feel slow and without cause. I could see that it might take you out of the world of the play... maybe the director in me is coming out, but I live for watching actors on stage doing the simple and mundane.
The title suggests words synonymous with other things that are red - one might think of hearts, strawberries, tomato soup, a crayon, parts of the sunset, etc.
The title might seem simple or uncreative.
This play is so much more.
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