By News and Internal Communications

By Santana Peralez

EDINBURG, TEXAS – The UTRGV Theatre Department is going from Shakespearean tragedy to contemporary tragedy, following up their production of “Coriolanus” in March with Tony award-winning play “Red” by John Logan.

“Red” opens 7:30 p.m. April 29, with a second performance 7:30 p.m. April 30 with ASL interpretation, and a matinee at 2 p.m. May 1. All performances are at the Albert L. Jeffers Theater (ELABS) on the UTRGV Edinburg Campus.

All shows are free of charge.

“Red” is a meditation on philosophy, art and the meaning of life.

“This show is a unique opportunity to step into a year in the life of acclaimed painter Mark Rothko and witness his creation of the Seagram’s Murals within the years of 1958 and 1959,” said Richard Edmonson, UTRGV associate professor and director of the show.

“Rothko wanted his viewers to have a relationship with his paintings by enveloping themselves in the movement and light of the pieces and immersing themselves in the emotion of the pieces,” he said. “As you watch this show, I hope you receive enlightenment about art and artists, but even more so about the human spirit.”

Rolando Garza, a junior theatre major who plays Ken, Rothko’s young protégé, said his character is centered on transformation.

“I feel like my character has trouble adjusting, but he's here, trying to make a future, trying to learn and grow as an artist,” Garza said. “And I think he does. He learns more about what he does and doesn't want to be.” 

Ivy Vidal, stage manager for “Red” and a UTRGV senior majoring in theatre, said this production’s cast is smaller than the “Coriolanus” cast, but the play includes many technical elements.

“Even with a smaller cast, the many technical elements make this show a different kind of challenge,” Vidal said. “One of those technical elements is that there is going to be painting on stage, so we have to clean it up every single night. We're going to need multiple costumes and props. And all that has made this show so different to put together.”

For more information on “Red,” call Alexandra Gonzalez at (956) 665-3518 or email at alexandra.gonzalez@utrgv.edu.

The UTRGV Theatre Department prepares the set for its upcoming play – “Red” – by John Logan. The show starts on April 29 and runs through May 1 at the UTRGV Edinburg Campus. (Courtesy Photo)