Stepping into the shoes of a famous artist can be a revelatory experience. As John Logan’s Red returns to Manila, actors Bart Guingona and JC Santos, who portrays painter Mark Rothko and his assistant Ken, are gaining first hand insight through rehearsals.
Guingona elucidates, “It’s been a journey for both of us. We’re learning how to create the fraught yet genuine connection between Rothko and his assistant.”
Santos contemplates, “I want to experience an artist’s assistant as seen on stage – there are many menial tasks in an artist’s studio.” Santos’ character Ken is Rothko’s studio assistant during 1958-1959 when Rothko was creating the famed Seagram Murals for New York’s Four Seasons restaurant.
“Madaling mawala sa stage business –” he quips “– but in the grand scheme of things, that is where I build Ken.”
There are myriad tasks in the script for both characters. There is the constant prepping of a canvas stretcher, preparing pigments for mixing, and occasionally getting Chinese takeout for Rothko.
“That’s what’s exciting about Logan’s script!” answers Guingona.
“It’s in the middle of these seemingly mundane tasks that we see how Rothko thinks.”
“– and how Ken responds to it,” adds Santos.
The play presents the complex mentor-mentee relationship between an established older painter and an aspiring younger artist.
Santos explains – “It’s between an artist and a student, but it goes beyond that — it’s almost like a father and son. They really connect on a spiritual level that transcends art.
“The text explores Rothko’s struggles, beliefs, past shaping him as an artist, and failure to find his place. Guingona and Santos must decipher these complex characters. The journey culminates in an explosive revelation of faith and truth.
Their performance was supported through impactful art direction and set design by Mark Daniel Dalacat, also serving as the associate director, working to create a realistic studio setting. Additionally, expect dynamic lighting design from Gabo Tolentino
and sound design by Jose Buencamino evoking the intense emotionality of Rothko’s work.
The combination of text, performance, and design will provide an immersive experience – a portrait of an artist contending with his past, searching for his place in a rapidly changing society, and exploring the perils of fame.
Bringing Mark Rothko to life is no easy feat. Guingona, Santos, and the artistic team are uncompromising in their approach, embracing the play’s demands.
They are poised to deliver an astounding performance.
The Necessary Theatre’s production of John Logan’s Red will run at the PETA Theater Center from June 9 to 18, with shows on Fridays at 8:00 pm and Saturdays/Sundays at 3:30 pm and 8:00 pm.
For tickets, show buying, and other information, call Ivy Baggao at 09154676443 or email at ivy.baggao@silangcomm.com
