RED

(Michael Richard as Rothko with Jeremy Richard as his assistant, Ken. Photo: Val Adamson)

Challenging and exciting theatre experience held me enthralled. (Review by Caroline Smart)

Browsing round the National Theatre bookshop in London, KickstArt director Steven Stead came across John Logan’s new play, Red. Famous for his screenplays for Gladiator, The Aviator, Rango and the recent Scorsese blockbuster, Hugo, Logan has focused on the Russian-born American artist, Mark Rothko.

Stead was so inspired by the play that he set plans in motion to present the South African premiere of this 2010 Tony Award winning play. It is currently premiering in the Playhouse Loft before appearing at this year’s Grahamstown Festival, after which it will run at the Old Mutual Theatre on the Square in July and August.

Red is set in Rothko’s New York studio in the late 1950’s and takes place over two years. Greg King has produced a superb set that perfectly represents the muddle and mess of an artist’s studio while providing the space required for the massive canvases. From his moody Cabaret to the Afro-chic of Don’t Dress for Dinner or the joyous flamboyance of the KickstArt pantomimes, King always gets it right.

Rothko (Michael Richard) has just been commissioned (at an impressive fee) to paint a group of murals for the expensive and exclusive Four Seasons restaurant. As he gets to know – and frequently bully and berate – his newly-acquired assistant, Ken (Jeremy Richard), we gain an insight into Rothko’s passionate and over-protective approach to his work.

The programme offers tantalising quotes from the play, giving an insight of the brilliant writing that is to come. The ensuing challenging and exciting theatre experience held me enthralled.

Michael Richard is a formidable acting force and in all the years I have watched his work, I have never seen him give a performance that is less than 100% full of commitment, intelligent interpretation and unwavering focus. Added to this, he has innate vocal power and this comes to the fore in Red.

Having seen Jeremy Richard in the award-winning The History Boys, I never dreamed that this slight frame housed a power and energy that matches his father’s. As the tables turn and the “pupil” starts questioning the “master”, there are some powerful scenes that run the gamut of emotions. Skilfully directed by Stead, they drive this production through its various moods of humour, analytical comment or bursts of fury with credibility and passion.

Presented by KickstArt in association with the National Arts Festival and Daphne Kuhn of the Old Mutual Theatre on the Square, Johannesburg, Red runs in the Playhouse Loft Theatre until April 1 and I strongly urge lovers of good theatre to make it a must-see. The running time is 90 minutes with no interval. Tickets for this season cost R120 (R100 pensioners and students) booked through Computicket. – Caroline Smart