History of Theatrical Lighting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

History of Theatrical Lighting - Essay Example The history of lighting in theatre is by nature a map to our own imaginations. In general, there are two kinds of illumination for the theatre, General Composition Illumination, and Selective Illumination. General Composition Illumination is used to produce a ‘wash’ of light across space, with little or no shadows. It is diffuse and undifferentiated. Selective Illumination is the creation of shafts or pinpoints of light that can be directed or fixed on certain areas of the stage in order to highlight a specific person, prop or scene. This draws the audience's attention to that area. Theatrical lighting has taken these two general categories and over the centuries learned to manipulate their intensity and colour for a myriad of effects and the creation of a more dynamic stage element. However, for the purposes of this analysis attention will be given to that lighting which is of a man-made origin. This of course begins with the humble candle. Attributed to invention circa 400 AD, the candle was at first relegated to religious ceremonies. As better materials were developed and the brightness and portability of the candle increased, it began to be used more generally. But it wasn't until the late fifteen hundreds that there are records of candles being used in theatres in Italy. Their popularity spread over Europe and to England by the early sixteen hundreds. Candles became the most significant light source for theatre productions. In the beginning candlelight was used to illuminate the members of the audience as well as the production and its actors. Candles were usually set in chandeliers over the audience and the audience section was under constant illumination during the performance while the stage would have varying degrees of light. Stagehands would snuff out and light candles according to the stage directions and there were also mechanical contrivances, different full chandeliers and partial branches were also used: Some of the branches could b e lowered by wires and pulleys so that the candles could be lit, snuffed, and extinguished. Lines, ropes, and pulleys are frequently mentioned in the accounts [of performances], but there are only a few explicit references to the raising and lowering of lights. Candles were also used as footlights and ladders in the wings to add side illumination. Then in the sixteenth century Sebastiano Serilio created a technique that gave candles a whole new dimension. By the use of coloured liquids made from various sources like saffron (yellow), burgundy wine (red) and so on he was able to give candlelight colour. He utilized a polished barber’s basin to reflect candlelight through these bottled liquids to project on actors and scenery. In a sense this was the first attempt at selective illumination as well. However candlelight had many drawbacks, one of which is the intensity and the quality of the light produced. Many candles, up to and sometimes exceeding thirty or more per several ch andeliers were necessary to have sufficient illumination for the stage or audience. Intensity is an important concern as relates to human vision. Detail can be lost if there is not enough light to discern them.