Is art meant to provoke, soothe, or disturb? That’s the question at the heart of Arizona Theatre Company’s new production Red, which opens May 3 at Herberger Theater Center. Based on true events, master abstract expressionist Mark Rothko has been commissioned to paint a series of murals for New York City’s Four Seasons restaurant. The grandeur of the job is intimidating and Rothko’s assistant raises some thought-stirring questions about art and commerce. Provocative dialogue between master and apprentice drives the story. A battle between new school and the old guard. Red is a searing portrait of an artist’s ambition and vulnerability as he tries to create a definitive work for an extraordinary setting. This play contains mature language. Tickets are $32-$69. Call (602) 256-6995. Red runs from May 3 to May 20. For more information, click here.