Earthquakes in London: Lighting design (direction, colour, intensity, special effects)

Earthquakes in London: Lighting design (direction, colour, intensity, special effects)

Earthquakes in London: Lighting Design

Overall Impact of Lighting

• The lighting design in Earthquakes in London significantly enhances the dramatic effect and guides the audience’s focus.
• It increases the play’s intensity, highlights emotions, and supports storytelling by indicating the progression of time and changes in location.

Lighting Directionality

• Directional lighting is often used to highlight specific characters or situations, bringing the audience’s attention to key scenes.
• Sidelights might be used to create dramatic shadows, highlighting the tense atmosphere and the emotional turmoil of the characters.
• Backlighting can be used to silhouette characters and create a sense of mystery or unease.

Lighting Colour

• The lighting’s colour can dramatically affect the audience’s perception and interpretation of a scene.
• For instance, blue lights might denote melancholy or dream sequences, while red lights can suggest danger or heightened emotion.
• Colour transitions can suggest passing time, changes in mood, or shifts in reality versus fantasy elements within the play.

Lighting Intensity

• The lighting intensity contributes to the tone and mood of the scene.
• Bright lights often indicate full action sequences or high-stakes moments in the plot, while dim lights may suggest quiet, intimate scenes or moments of tension and anticipation.

Lighting Special Effects

• Special lighting effects like strobe lights or subtle flickering can be used to create an atmosphere of uncertainty or chaos, as well as to indicate supernatural elements or psychological states.
• Spotlights might be used during monologues or significant moments to isolate a character and draw the audience’s attention.
• Projected patterns or gobos can help to suggest specific locations without the need for elaborate set pieces.

Relationship between Lighting Design and Other Theatrical Elements

• The lighting design works in tandem with the set, costume, sound design, and the actors’ performances to create a cohesive theatrical experience.
• Understanding the lighting design can provide additional depth to the characters, contexts, and themes of the play.

Finally, the effective use of lighting is a testament to Mike Bartlett’s talent as a playwright and director, demonstrating how each element of theatre adds to the play’s overall impact.