Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities Presents Staged Reading of Tony Award Winning Play "Red"
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As part of their year-long, 25th anniversary celebration, the South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities is presenting a special staged reading of John Logan's Tony Award-winning play, "Red," examining the work and philosophy of renowned abstract painter Mark Rothko. The reading, featuring prominent school alumni and faculty, will take place on Friday, April 25, 2025, 7 p.m. in Sakas Theatre at the Governor’s School.
Drama alumni Hassiem Muhammad (2014) and Sasha Maya Ada (2012) will be joined by award-winning actor and Governor’s School summer instructor Darion McCloud. Muhammad has made notable contributions across film, television, theater, and commercials, recently receiving a 2023 Helen Hayes Award for his performance in "The Tempest" at Round House Theatre. Maya Ada, who will be directing the reading, is the founding artistic director of Altar’d Playhouse and has served as a directing mentor for Teatro Dallas’s inaugural Nuevo Mundo New Director’s Festival. McCloud is the creative director of the Columbia-based NiA Theatre Company and is a Riley Institute Fellow, Twiggs Scholar, Andrew Billings Award recipient, and South Carolina Governor’s Award winner.
“Red” centers on the tumultuous relationship between the iconic artist Mark Rothko and his young assistant Ken as they work on a major commission for New York's Four Seasons Restaurant in the 1950s. The play explores Rothko's artistic process, his struggles with fame and commercialism, and his mentor/mentee relationship with Ken.
A staged reading is a form of theatrical performance where actors read from a script with minimal movement, costumes, or set design. It focuses on the spoken word and the playwright’s text, allowing the audience to experience the story, characters, and dialogue without the distraction of full staging. Actors typically stand or sit in place with scripts in hand, and while there may be some gestures or vocal expression, the emphasis remains on the language and storytelling.
Following the reading, attendees are invited to an exclusive reception at 8:30 p.m., hosted by the SCGSAH Alumni Office. The reception will be held at the Grand Bohemian Lodge.
Tickets are $25, which includes entry to both the reading and the reception. To purchase tickets and for more information, visit www.scgsah25.org/events/drama-alumni-reading.