Ten years after its critically acclaimed and award-winning run in 2013, The Necessary Theatre’s RED is back this 2023 with a bolder face.

Still helmed by Bart Guingona as director and actor with a limited 10-show run from June 9 to 18 at the PETA Theater Center backed by some of the industry’s exciting up-and-coming theater designers.

*There is only thing I fear in life, my friend.*

This production is a celebration of sorts: Bart Guingona, as he revisits the titular character of Mark Rothko, marks his 40th year in the entertainment industry. Joining him, playing the role of Ken, is award-winning theater, tv, and film actor JC Santos. Santos, for his part, considers this his comeback to the theatre after three years of not being on stage.

Guingona, as artistic director of The Necessary Theatre, thinks this is the best play for the company’s comeback after its pandemic hiatus. The fact that RED is a searing 90-minute drama, a stimulating and thought-provoking conversation piece about art and the pains of its creation – proves that point. Mark Rothko asks: “What do you see?” At the top of the play, a question this restaging considers an invitation to look even more closely.

*One day, the black will swallow the red.*

Completing the artistic team are three exciting new designers: Gabo Tolentino handles Lighting Design, Jose Buencamino for Sound Design, and Mark Daniel Dalacat is the Associate Director and Production Designer.

The show will run from June 9 and 16 (8:00 pm) and June 10, 11, 17, and 18 (3:30 pm and 8:00 pm) at the PETA Theatre Center. For show buying inquiries, contact Ivy Baggao through mobile at 0915-467-6774 or email at ivy.baggao@silangcomm.com

About the Author

Apple Gamboa is the Life Editor of SubSelfie.com.

She is also the Creative Team Lead of Maya, the leading digital financial services provider in the country.

She was previously a Media Relations Manager for Ogilvy Philippines and an interview and field producer for GMA News programs Quick Response Team and News to Go. She was also a producer of lifestyle TV shows and documentaries. Travelling and music are her passion, and taking risks is her reality medicine. Journalism 2010, UST. Read more of her articles here.