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RED
fourtyfive downstairs
Flinders Lane
Walking into the intimate room that is fortyfive downstairs the audience enters the sparse studio of artist Mark Rothko, ( Dylan Smith) casually seated awaiting someone.
As he arises, we are introduced to a nervous yet eager assistant- Ken ( Jordan Briggs) who is commencing employment with the artist, at the beginning of his biggest commission piece.
From the beginning of the play and as it traverses into the deep insecurities of Rothko, the two are often at loggerheads, the senior artist at times insufferable, the student keen to learn yet finding himself out of his depth.
Rothko challenges him in ways that push his intellect, forcing him to not only grow as an artist, but to become increasingly frustrated at the aging artist.
The play is a powerful portrayal of the inner workings of an artists mind. His insecurities, obsessions and observations are laid bare.
The mind of an artist is a complex place, and as the two spar we are given an accurate glimpse of those complexities. It’s a rich and intriguing dialogue between the two men.
RED is an excellent piece of work that is thought provoking, evocative and brilliant. As we traverse through two years – a mere snapshot of the artists life we are given access to a mind and a world that many don’t get access to. If you are an artist, the arrogance of Rothko is familiar, the inexperience of assistant Ken is relatable.
An exceptional piece of work that is both painfully poetic and deeply moving RED draws you into the world of two very different men, and will leave you thinking deeply long after the final bows.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 Stars
RED is showing at fortyfive downstairs in Flinders Lane until
November 30
