Even before you take your seat at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre, Joseph Graves, portraying Mark Rothko in new production “Red,” sits with a stone-cold look on his face, gazing at the audience with a cigarette in hand, examining his latest work.
At that moment, I was instantly transported to the intense and somewhat dark world of the famed abstract artist.
And this was before the two-character bio drama even got started.
The Rep’s second play of the 2013-2014 season– directed by theater artistic director Bob Hupp and written by John Logan (whose Hollywood screenplays include “Hugo,” “Gladiator” and “Skyfall”) –– got its start last week, delighting audiences with artistic fervor, strong performances from Graves and Chris Wendelken as the artist’s assistant Ken, and a rare glimpse into the maniacal world of Rothko.
Working in partnership with the Arkansas Arts Center’s exhibit “Mark Rothko in the 1940’s: The Decisive Decade” (the first time for such a partnership), the Tony Award-winning play sends the audience back to New York City in the 1950s when Rothko was in the middle of his two-year journey to complete a lucrative set of murals for Manhattan’s Four Seasons restaurant.
The set perfectly encapsulates the artist’s studio on Bowery with splatters of paint across just about every part of the industrial-inspired pieces, buckets of paint scattered across the stage, a canvas stretcher, drop-down lights and an old-time rotary phone at stage left.
Minutes into the play, we are introduced to Ken, who has no idea what he’s stumbled upon. One of the first questions Rothko asks him is “What do you see?” as he points at the latest work. From the get-go, we feel the intensity in Rothko’s voice as he, in a way, pounces on this unsuspecting assistant, an aspiring artist.
Throughout the two-year journey of painting the series of murals, the play provides a rare and thought-provoking glimpse into their relationship and how they inspire each other and work together to change the course of art history– sharing philosophical beliefs along the way.
A sense of passion and cynicism carries Rothko and at times, flare-ups arise as he tries to create his masterpieces. He struggles to convey meaning with every color and brushstroke on the canvas.
A pivotal moment in the play is when Rothko has a rush of inspiration while painting. The artist has Ken mix paint colors for the piece and when Rothko becomes stuck on what color should be used next, the assistant blurts out “red.” It’s then when the frustrated artist shouts across the stage, scolding Ken for his lack of specificity. This changes their relationship, forcing Ken to stand up for himself and not be the naive artist he once was.
The power of Graves and Wendelken is felt onstage with every glance, word of dialogue and moment of action, especially when the two “prime” a canvas with red paint. Right before our very eyes, we see them furiously splash red paint onto the canvas and voila, it’s completely covered.
While much of the play focuses on the dialogue and nonverbal cues, the beauty of the classical music seems to take center stage during crucial times of painting. For Rothko, it was a creative boost during those moments. The musical interludes added a sense of formality to the sometimes brash life of the painter.
Bottom line: This beautiful look at the short two-year journey of Rothko’s series of murals showcased an incredible dynamic between the artist and his assistant and provided an intimate glimpse into an integral time in art history. Superb acting and a fascinating story set the stage for this one-of-a-kind production.
There is still time to see the show. It runs until Nov. 10.
Tonight (Oct. 31), The Rep is holding a pre-show craft beer night in Foster’s at 6 p.m. At 7 p.m., catch the latest performance of “Red.” Plus, dress in red, and receive a special treat while supplies last! Must be 21 and up to participate. Call The Rep Box Office to reserve your tickets at (501) 378-0405.
Purchase tickets for the remaining shows online here, call the number listed above or visit the box office at 601 Main St., Little Rock. Get a preview below.