A Taste of Honey: Lighting design (direction, colour, intensity, special effects)

Lighting Design in “A Taste of Honey”

“A Taste of Honey,” written by Shelagh Delaney, uses light design to convey the mood and atmosphere of the scenes effectively. The direction, colour, intensity, and special effects significantly contribute to the overall impact of the performance.
Remember, though direction, colour, intensity, and special effects are all important aspects of lighting design, it’s how they integrate with other elements such as sound, staging and performance to create a coherent and engaging piece of theatre that truly matters.

The direction of lighting in “A Taste of Honey” can be used for silhouetted effects, creating ominous or dramatic moments. For instance, the sidelights used in this play often highlight the brutal realities of the characters’ lives.

Warm colour lights, like yellow or amber, are occasionally used to depict homely moments or instances of happiness. In contrast, cooler lights such as blue or pale green can be used to portray intense emotional states or to bring out the bleakness of the characters’ situation.

The intensity of lighting is effectively used throughout the play to shift the mood and tone. High intensity lighting often signifies moments of high emotion or confrontation, while low intensity may be employed during quieter moments, to create a sense of intimacy or isolation.

In terms of special effects, the auditorium’s lighting transition from fully lit to dark at the beginning and end of the play may be used to establish the audience’s engagement or disengagement with the narrative.
Flashlight effects could be sparingly used for dramatic emphasis on particular characters or actions. For example, during argument scenes between Jo and her mother Helen, harsh lighting could be employed to heighten the tension and amplify the raw emotion.
The use of shadow also plays a big part in “A Taste of Honey” as it embodies the uncertainty in the lives of the protagonist Jo and her mother Helen.

Each scene should be analysed considering why certain lighting choices were made and how they contribute to a deeper understanding and interpretation of the play.