The Effects of Advancements in Lighting on The Theatre...

Without light, the theatre cannot exist, that much is certain. As actors, as audience members, as technical visionaries, we are only as powerful as the light we are given. The extent to which we depend upon light in performance has changed dramatically throughout history, however, as light technology developed and expanded. In the history of performance, the artistic community is constantly victim to the limits of lighting technology, and exponentially altered by breakthroughs. From the utilization of candles and natural light to isolated light and electricity, the histories of illumination and theatre are virtually inseparable, and continue to push the boundaries of live performance. Like any journey, it is necessary to begin with a†¦show more content†¦Having only heightened text and elaborate spectacles to guide them, much of the subtlety, specificity, and emotion must have been lost in translation. Additionally, indoor performances, primarily requested by courts and nob ility, specifically used candles and torches as sources of illumination. Candles were placed at the front of the stage, between the wings leading to the stage, and above both the stage in order to frame the players. Chandeliers were also hung above those in attendance, to create a sense of audience. This marks both the first appearances of footlights in the theatre and, though basic, the beginning of a formulaic structure for lighting a performance space. Issues prevailed, however – there were still no successful methods for specific lighting, unless an actor held the light themselves to illuminate their face, nor were colored lights or gobo devices available. Though lighting was making its way into the theatrical world, it was purely technical, not called upon to be inventive, create illusions or accomplish tasks at this point in time. Limited design innovations were mostly rooted in the scarce advancements made with regard to lighting technology. Where this began to change and evolve was in the early 1800s, when the gaslight was introduced into the performing arts sphere. The new technology was brought into the theatre industry by William Murdoch and later F.A. Winsor, who used the lights to replace candles in framing the stageShow MoreRelatedAustralian Theater Ruby Moon and Stolen1413 Words   |  6 PagesContemporary Australian theatre mainly focuses on the reflection of the ‘real’ Australia and communicating to the audience real and modern issues/ideas that respond to the social climate and community. Australian theatre practitioners use various performance styles, techniques and dramatic conventions to help portray their ideas to their audiences and make them feel a particular way to the ideas presented in a play. 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