Red - Play by John Logan

Sep 28, 2026

Uploaded by Bulrr

Red is a modern play by John Logan centered on Mark Rothko and his new assistant, Ken, set in Rothko's studio in New York around 1958-1959. The stage design emphasizes Rothko's working environment and rotating, displayed representations of his large mural paintings, alongside an imaginary painting that remains in view of the audience. The text also includes publication and performance rights notices, cast listings for initial premieres, and dedication information.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryStory & Novel

FormatPDF

Pages76

Reading Time1 h 57 min

AccessFree to download

Characters

Mark Rothko

Ken

Setting

Rothko's studio (circa 1958-1959)

Stage representations of Seagram mural paintings

DONMAR NEW YORK “A ,EXCITINGp.ar'c(o BRiNTmiod.BEN BRANTLEY,THE NEW YORK TIMES A NEW PLAY BYJOHN LOGAN 0BERON MODERN PLAYS RED # John Logan RED OBERON BOOKSLONDON Published in 2009 by Oberon Books Ltd521 Caledonian Road,London N79RHTel:02076073637/Fax:02076073629e-mail:info@oberonbooks.comwww.oberonbooks.com Reprinted 2010 Copyright CJohn Logan 2009 John Logan is hereby identified as author of this play in accordance with section 77 of the Copyright,Designs and PatentsAct 1988.The author has asserted his moral rights. All rights whatsoever in this play are strictly reserved andapplication for performance etc.should be made beforecommencement of rehearsal to Creative Artists Agency,2000 Avenue of the Stars,Los Angeles,CA 90067 USA.Noperformance may be given unless a licence has been obtained,and no alterations may be made in the title or the text of the playwithout the author's prior written consent. This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not by wayof trade or otherwise be circulated without the publisher's consentin any form of binding or cover or circulated electronically otherthan that in which it is published and without a similar conditionincluding this condition being imposed on any subsequentpurchaser. A catalogue record for this book is available from the BritishLibrary. ISBN:978-1-84002-944-4 Cover design by SpotCo Printed in Great Britain by CPI Antony Rowe,Chippenham. Red was first performed at Donmar Warehouse,London on 3December 2009,with the following cast: ROTHKO,Alfred Molina KEN,Eddie Redmayne Director Michael GrandageDesigner Christopher OramLighting Designer Neil AustinComposer and Sound Designer Adam Cork Red was first performed on Broadway at Golden Theatre,NewYork on 11 March 2010,with the following cast: ROTHKO,Alfred MolinaKEN,Eddie Redmayne ROTHKO UNDERSTUDY,Stephen RoweKEN UNDERSTUDY,Gabriel Ebert Director Michael Grandage Set and Costume Designer Christopher OramLighting Designer Neil AustinComposer and Sound Designer Adam Cork New York ProducersArielle Tepper MadoverStephanie P.McClellandMatthew Byam ShawNeal StreetFox Theatricals Ruth Hendel/Barbara WhitmanPhilip Hagemann/Murray RosenthalThe Donmar Warehouse Characters MARK ROTHKOAmerican painter,50s.or older KENHis new assistant,20s Setting Rothko's studio,222 Bowery,New York City.Circa 1958-1959. Rothko's studio is an old gymnasium.The hardwood floor issplattered and stained with hues of dark red paint.There is acluttered counter or tables filled with buckets of paint,tins ofturpentine,tubes of glue,crates of eggs,bottles of Scotch,packetsof pigment,coffee cans filled with brushes,a portable burner orstovetop,and a phone.There is also a phonograph with messystacks of records. There is one door leading to an unseen vestibule where thecharacters change into their work clothes and enter and exitthe studio. Most importantly,representations of some of Rothko'smagnificent Seagram Mural paintings are stacked and displayedaround the room.Rothko had a pulley system that could raise,lower and display several of the paintings simultaneously.Thepaintings could be repositioned throughout the play,with adifferent arrangement for each scene. There is also an imaginary painting 'hanging’right in front of theaudience,which Rothko studies throughout the play. Alternately,the entire setting could be abstract. Dedicated to Stephen SondheimFor reminding me

FAQs

Who are the main characters in Red?

The play features Mark Rothko, an American painter, and Ken, his new assistant.

When and where does Red take place?

It is set in Rothko's studio at 222 Bowery, New York City, circa 1958-1959.

How is the stage setting described in the play?

The studio includes cluttered work surfaces, paint materials, and mechanisms to raise, lower, and display mural paintings, plus an imaginary painting in front of the audience.

Sep 28, 2026

Uploaded by Bulrr