‘Red’ by John Logan is a two character play that explores the life and work of abstract expressionist painter, Mark Rothko. Set in his New York studio in the late 1950’s, the play focuses on Rothko’s relationship with his young assistant, Ken, as they work on a series of murals commissioned for the Four Seasons Restaurant.

As Rothko paints, the two men engage in intense discussion about art, philosophy, and the purpose of creativity. Rothko is passionate, arrogant, and tormented by the commercialization of art, while Ken is idealistic and thoughtful, and begins to challenge Rothko’s ideas and authority.

The Play  delves into themes of artistic integrity, legacy, mentorship, and the generational divide. It is a powerful and intimate portrait of an artist struggling with relevance. In a changing world.