Circa Theatre to Present RED, 7/13-8/10

Award-winning American Screenwriter and Film Producer John Logan (Hugo, Skyfall, The Aviator) brings us this remarkably written script RED: Winner of the 2010 Tony Award for Best Play. This Wellington Premiere, Directed and Designed by AnDrew Foster (Black Confetti, West End Girls) is an intimate insight into the art and mind of 20th Century abstract expressionist painter Mark Rothko, performed by iconic Actor John Bach (Lord Of The Rings, Duggan). Set in 1958 in his New York studio, Red reveals the complexities of Rothko's block-colour canvases and life-long search for meaning, as his expressionism is challenged by commercialism. Canvases and characters are stretched; paints and power are tested; and brushes and egos are fearlessly played in this two-man show.

Confrontation is immediate as Ken (played by Paul Waggott- Tribes, Clybourne Park), Rothko's new assistant, looks at one of his paintings and is asked, "What do you see?". "Red." is his simple answer. Yet as we are primed and pulled, swirled and thrown through the physical and emotional creation of Rothko's biggest commission yet- a series of murals for Manhattan's iconic Four Seasons restaurant- we discover that nothing is simply Red. Layer upon layer, tone upon tone, the characters and themes in this play are as deeply complex as the art itself.

Red will connect with audiences beyond arts enthusiasts and theatre lovers. It is for Wellingtonians who are creative at heart. Who understand the eternal conflict of feeding the soul versus feeding the family; of creating art for expression versus art for a living. Winner of six Tony Awards, this 90-minute drama is one of the most intellectually riveting shows to recently hit Broadway.

John Logan, writer of Red, is a multi award-winning American Screenwriter, Playwright and Film Producer whose recent films include Hugo, Skyfall, The Aviator, Rango and Coriolanus. Director/Designer AnDrew Foster is well-known for his contribution to the development of new works in New Zealand. He was Head of Radio Drama at Radio NZ in 2004, and recent projects include directing 'Black Confetti' for ATC in Auckland and design for Ken Duncum's 'West End Girls' at Circa. John Bach, who plays Rothko, is a Welsh-born actor with over 120 screen credits, who is best known for his roles as Madril in The Lord of the Rings film trilogy, and Detective Inspector John Duggan in the police crime series Duggan. John Bach reprises a watershed performance as Rothko, having received rave reviews at Dunedin's Fortune Theatre. Actor Paul Waggott partners Bach on stage, recognised for his defining roles in 'Tribes' and 'Clybourne Park'.

Circa Theatre Opening Night Saturday 13 July, 7.30pm (90 min)
Preview Show Friday 12 July, 7.30pm and Sunday 14 July, 4.30pm
Season: 7.30pm Tuesday 16 July - Saturday 10 August (excl Mon), Matinee Sundays 4.30pm
$46 full / $38 senior / $33 friends of circa / $39 groups 6+ / $36 groups 20+ / $25 under 25s / $25
previews
Book through Circa Theatre on 04 801 7992 or circa.co.nz