Director Dave McIntosh gives us a sneak preview of LLT’s play “RED,” on the main stage October 20-29.
“This gripping play is penned by John Logan, screenwriter for such films as Scorsese’s “The Aviator,” Burton’s “Sweeney Todd,” and Sam Mendes’ two recent Bond movies, “Skyfall” and “Spectre.” “RED” is an intelligent, powerful, thought-provoking analysis of a brilliant free spirit of art, the American abstract expressionist painter, Mark Rothko.
Says McIntosh: “The play is semi-biographical. The action takes place in 1958 in Rothko’s drab studio in New York’s Lower East side when he is at the top of his game—gaining in popularity and receiving generous commissions. Yet beneath the surface it’s not popularity he seeks. He strives to be significant! His contentious paintings demand attention.
“At Lakeside Little Theatre, we’ve created an intense and oppressive paint studio atmosphere that surrounded this controversial and erratic man. Throughout the play Ken—Rothko’s new, young assistant—builds a growing supportive and emotional connection with him as he carefully reveals Rothko’s personal doubts and weaknesses.
“We’ve all been privileged to work on this play, and we’ve all become emotionally attached to it. A picture lives by companionship, expanding and quickening in the eyes of the sensitive observer. It dies by the same token. It is therefore a risky and unfeeling act to send it out into the world.”