Watch Red: A Broadway Play

Red: A Broadway Play from 2018 is a theatrical production that was directed by Tony-winner Michael Grandage. The play was written by American playwright John Logan and it premiered in London in 2009. This version that was captured on film was a revival of the original play. Set in the late 1950s, Red is an intense two-man play that tells the story of one of the most celebrated and controversial artists of the 20th century, the abstract expressionist painter Mark Rothko. The play is an exploration of Rothko's art and his complex creative process, as well as his relationship with his young assistant, Ken.

Red takes place entirely within Rothko's studio, where the artist is working on a commission for a set of murals for the Four Seasons restaurant. Over the course of two acts, Rothko and Ken engage in a series of conversations about art, life, death, and everything in between.

At the heart of the play is the tension between Rothko's staunchly held beliefs about art and the commodification of his work. Rothko is portrayed as a deeply conflicted artist who is struggling with his own ego and the pressures of fame. He is fiercely committed to his art and feels that it should be appreciated on its own terms, without the interference of the market or the critics.

As the play unfolds, Ken challenges Rothko on his beliefs and forces him to confront his own flaws, including his tendency towards self-absorption and his fear of being forgotten. Through their conversations, Ken begins to understand the motivations behind Rothko's art, and the two men develop a deep bond that is both respectful and adversarial.

The play's two lead actors, Alfred Molina and Alfred Enoch, deliver outstanding performances that are at once passionate and nuanced. Molina's portrayal of Rothko is complex and layered, capturing the artist's intensity and vulnerability. The character's passionate speeches about art and his own legacy are brought to life by Molina's commanding stage presence, which is balanced by Enoch's quiet but powerful performance as Ken.

The set design is also a standout feature of Red. Rothko's studio is filled with canvases and art supplies, giving the audience a sense of the artist's obsessive dedication to his craft. The lighting is also carefully orchestrated, taking the audience from the bright colors of the murals to the dimly lit moments of introspection.

Overall, Red is a compelling and thought-provoking play that explores the complexities of art and the human condition. Its intimate setting and powerful performances make it a must-see for lovers of drama and art.

Red: A Broadway Play is a 2020 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6.