“Red” is the color of Rothko – Knight Foundation
Arts

“Red” is the color of Rothko

When I was a student at the George Washington University, I would skip class to hang out at the Hirshhorn Museum, where I would stare at Mark Rothko’s “Blue, Orange, Red.” I didn’t “get” Rothko at the time, but I enjoyed this painting so much that I tried to copy it. I couldn’t, so I bought the poster instead and hung it up in my dorm room. After my purchase, I didn’t skip class as often.

Starting Nov. 4, Rothko comes to the GableStage, so you won’t need to skip class or work. His life will come to life in “Red,” the Tony award-winning drama by John Logan about the artist. The play, which centers around Rothko’s relationship with his newly hired assistant, reveals Rothko’s bitter brilliance and almost maniacal obsession with his work.

As a special bonus, on Wednesday, Nov. 2 at 7 p.m. Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) Executive Director and Chief Curator Bonnie Clearwater, who was the former curator for the Mark Rothko Foundation, will conduct a mock interview with Rothko. Well, not Rothko, but the actor who portrays the artist. Space is limited. So, if you’re a Rothko fan, reserve early.

“A Conversation with Mark Rothko” will be held at the Museum of Contemporary Art at 770 N.E. 125th St., North Miami. Admission is $10 for MOCA members and $15 for non-members. Call 305-893-6211, or visit www.mocanomi.org to reserve. “Red,” a play by Logan at the GablesStage at The Biltmore, 1200 Anastasia Ave., Coral Gables, Nov. 5 through Dec. 4, Tickets are $42.50, $40 for seniors and $15 for students. To order tickets, visit http://www.gablestage.org/season11-12/season12.php.