Dracula: An Act of Destruction (Lighting Research)
Item
Poster Number
36
Poster Title
Dracula: An Act of Destruction (Lighting Research)
First Presenter
McKenzie Martz
Abstract
The research presented are photographic references to inspire ideas that assist in the design process for the theatrical production Dracula: An Act of Destruction written and devised by Jeff Casazza along with the actors that are cast in the play. The play is based on the novel by Bram Stoker although the scope of the production reveals a broader exploration of death and destruction and how those elements fit into the world of Dracula and contemporary world events. Dracula: An Act of Destruction explores concepts such as the unknown, fear, death, and destruction. Examples of lighting that would reflect those concepts would be darkness, icy-cool hues, harsh lighting that creates shadows, the use of dark negative space, and using haze to obscure the action within the space. These aspects are represented in the research gathered to create a cohesive mood and atmosphere for the production. One of the guiding conceptual ideas that the lighting designer and myself are exploring is expressionism. Expressionistic lighting is exemplified by the use of harsh lines and shadows that help contort the face and areas of the stage to create a darker atmosphere for the show. Using dark, cool tones of light provides a way to cut through the darkness for the purpose of allowing the space to be sculpted through highlight and shadow. This approach will create interest while still retaining the mystery embedded in the overall ambiance. Using icier tones of light will emphasize the cold atmosphere so prevalent in the play. Making use of haze to obscure the performers aids in generating a sense of fear in the unknown within the audience. Utilizing all of these tactics will bring expressionistic qualities to the lighting design. Another element the lighting designer and I wanted to explore in the design process is the look of wetness. This would be carried out by creating a slight sheen on stage using a glossy paint and letting the light reflect off it naturally. It is important to gather research to use as inspiration for the quality of light that could be used in the production prior to how a director will stage the show. Preliminary lighting research also allows the designers to communicate their ideas with the director and allow an opportunity to receive feedback and make changes if any of the ideas do not fit the director’s vision of the play. Creating a research board helps motivate ideas leading to the creation of my own designs for specific scenes within the play. Dracula: An Act of Destruction is a play that is dark in mood as well as in atmosphere, so it is crucial the lighting reflects that to help the audience be thrown into the world that the actors are trying to create.
Year
2022
Embargo
no embargo
