Rothko by Lauren Friesen, PhD.

THE STORY:
Director's Notes:

Rothko is a two act memory play based on events in the life of the American abstract painter Mark Rothko (1903-1970). The events in the play do not follow the chronology of his life; instead they are presented as a series of stories in which one memory seamlessly leads to another.

The first draft was written while I was a Visiting Scholar at Stanford University (1993-1994). Initially it was a one person show - a long monologue by Rothko. An hour long selection of that draft was presented at New York University in 1999 and even though it was well received, I let it sit on my shelf until 2002. The next writing phase added two characters: his wife Mell and his lawyer Bernie Reis. Act II of this draft was given a staged-reading at the Midwest Theatre Conference in St. Louis in 2003. Then, it sat on my shelf until 2006. That was when Ted Valley graciously asked to read the play and thus began a series of conversations that led to this production.

What is the play about? Rothko faced many challenges in his life. He was born in Riga, Latvia and at the age of six, his family relocated to Portland, Oregon. When they arrived, he didn't know a word of English. Within a few years, his father, a pharmacist, died. Young Markus had to start working but because the family valued education, Rothko finished high school at the age of sixteen and was the valedictorian. Yale University offered him a one year scholarship and so he went. After that year he drifted back and forth between New York City and Portland. Whenever he was in New York, he would draw sketches, when he returned to Portland, he would act with a local theatre company. It was during one of those New York visits that a friend invited him to attend an art class and that, as the play tells it, changed his life.

Rothko and his wife Mell were extremely poor -- his first solo exhibit wasn't until he was 51 years old. So he taught elementary school art, part time, to make ends meet. Shortly after his solo exhibit, the wealthy lawyer, Bernard Reis, became his financial advisor, legal counselor and supporter. At first the Rothko's exchanged one painting a year for a monthly stipend ($500) but eventually Mr. Reis raised that to two paintings a year. Because so few of his paintings had sold, this appeared to be a good arrangement. The play opens when it becomes apparent to Rothko that this "good deal" is not really that great. In fact, Bernie Reis was sitting on a proverbial gold mine. Yet, Rothko could not drum up the courage to sever ties with Mr. Reis. As time progressed, the lawyer increased his demands on Rothko until they became intolerable, creating the crisis that is at the heart of this play.

Rothko had a large apartment in Manhattan which was his daily workplace and also a storage area for his vast, unsold collection (900? paintings). He also had a small apartment on one side of the studio and Mell, his wife had a larger apartment on the other side. They settled on this arrangement after years of squabbling that nearly ruined their relationship. In this way, they always found the 'middle ground' to discuss their differences.

Rothko's paintings today are in many major museums around the globe. For many his name evokes the best in 20th century abstract art. The final culmination of his career came from Houston, Texas where a new chapel was planned next to the campus of St. Thomas College, and Rothko was commissioned to paint 16 large panels for the interior. This Chapel is now called the "Rothko Chapel" and it is the worship center for persons from all faiths. Shortly after he completed this series, he planned his own exit from this earth. His wife’s death soon followed.

Lauren Friesen, Ph.D.
Chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance
University of Michigan-Flint

Calling all artists! The contest is on!

If you entered your artwork, make sure you come to the show to vote for the People's Choice award!!

Cast & Crew

Ted Valley (Markus Rothko)

has appeared in many local theatre venues, local films and commercials. As the Executive Director/Producer at Vertigo Productions he wears many hats. He enjoys the challenges live theatre brings and looks forward to the 10th season of Vertigo Productions. He works with many community organizations to keep the Arts programs in Flint moving toward the future. Look for him this summer at Kearsley Park and FYT.

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D J Trela (Bernard Reis)

has graced the stage for Vertigo Productions in past performances of "As You Like It", "Crossing Delancey" and "Much Ado About Nothing". He received his B.A. from the University of Illinois and Ph.D. from the University of Edinburgh. He is the Dean of Arts and Sciences at the University of Michigan-Flint. He lives in Flint and enjoys gardening, bicycling and hosting fabulous parties. As a member of the Shakespeare Club and previous cast member in past Shakespeare in Kearsley Park performances he is looking forward to auditioning for "Twelfth Night".

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Laura Friesen-Lynn (Mell Rothko)

has appeared in Vertigo Productions performances of "Vagina Monologues", "Much Ado About Nothing" and "The Who's-Tommy." She holds Masters degrees in both theatre and library science from UCLA. She works in the library at the University of Michigan-Flint, loves singing with her chorus, and after a fifteen year hiatus, being on stage again. If she could get her husband and two beautiful children on stage with her, life would be complete. She is looking forward to auditioning for "Twelfth Night" in this years Shakespeare In Kearsley Park and Gilkeyshire Renasaince faire.

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Lauren Friesen, PhD. (Author/Director)

is Professor of Theatre and Chair of the Theatre and Dance Department at the University of Michigan-Flint. His plays have won the San Jacinto One-Play Competition, Alaska Native American Playwriting Award, Bethel College (Kansas) Centennial Playwriting Competition, Theatre at The Center (Munster, Indiana) Competition, Indiana Repertory Theatre's Theatre Works Competition and New York University's "I Am a Writer Conference." In addition he has aided many other playwrights by serving as a dramaturg at American Conservatory Theatre (San Francisco), Berkeley Stage Company, New Harmony Project, Indiana Repertory Theatre and the Kennedy Center New Visions, New Voices Program. He served as the chair of the Kennedy Center's New Plays Program and in that capacity served as the editor for the annual publication Best Student One Acts from 1996 to 2003. His recent publications include a translation of Hermann Sudermann's play The Storm Komrade Sokrates from German to English (University Press of America). Dr. Friesen was a poet-in-residence with the Seattle Arts Commission and his poems have been published in Mississippi Valley Review, Dark Waters, Poetry Nippon, Madrona Review and many other magazines.

Rhonda Groves Young (Assistant Director)

was most recently on stage in Vertigo Productions presentation of "The Who’s-Tommy" as Mrs. Walker. She has graced the stage for Vertigo many times and directed "Cemetery Club" and "Chapter Two". She holds a B.A. in English and Teacher Education from the University of Michigan-Flint, a degree in Interior Design, and is currently seeking her Masters degree in educational psychology. She is also the director of the theatre department at Flint Central Commencement Academy. Rhonda has also directed for Clio Cast and Crew, Antrim Regional Theatre, and for many high schools around the state of Michigan. She is the mother of four and the grandmother of 5, and wishes to thank her family, especially husband of 34 years, Darrell, for their never ending support.

David Scott (Light Board Operator)

has performed for Vertigo Productions in "Rats! The Musical" "Of Mice and Men" and "Jitney". He studied acting at Models and Company. He enjoys attending church, reading, singing and studying martial arts. We look forward to seeing him on our stage again in the future. He is currently pursuing a BA in business management at Spring Arbor University in Flint.

Natalie Fagan (Make-Up)

is a graduate of Interlochen Arts Academy and is currently studying theatre at the University of Michigan-Flint. Her credits include "The Little Red Hen" for Interlochen, "The Maize and Blue Musical Review" for U of M-Flint and the world premier of "Howl" at U of M-Flint. She enjoys singing, horse back riding, dance, knitting and skating. We look forward to working with her in the future and seeing her on stage.