'Red': An Intimate Look At Rothko Staging At John Drew Theater

Opening the 2014 season at the John Drew Theater is an up-close look at master abstract expressionist Mark Rothko—literally.

As during the past two years, the audience will be seated directly on the East Hampton stage, this time during performances of the Tony Award-winning play, “Red,” by John Logan, opening with a preview on Wednesday, May 21, and running through June 8.

Set in 1958, the two-actor drama—carried by Victor Slezak and Christian Scheider under the direction of Stephen Hamilton—focuses on Rothko, who has received the largest commission in the history of modern art to create a series of murals for the Four Seasons Restaurant, scheduled to open in the new Seagram Building in Manhattan. Over the course of two years, Rothko, who is portrayed by Mr. Slezak, works feverishly in his Bowery studio and passionately debates the nature of art and why it matters with his young assistant, Ken, acted by Mr. Scheider.

“In his writings, Rothko asked himself over and over if he was really communicating with anyone through his art,” Mr. Scheider said. “I also sensed it was Rothko’s enthusiasm for art that betrayed his pessimism. That combination really excited me.”

Previews will be held from Wednesday, May 21, through Friday, May 23, with opening night on Saturday, May 24. The play will run Wednesdays through Sundays at 8 p.m. Tickets are $35, or $33 for members, and $10 for students. Due to the intimate nature of the staging, seating is limited and reservations are encouraged.

For more information, call 324-4050 or visit guildhall.org.