Samantha Mathew

Theatre 1331 - 13684

Group 59

LIGHTS!THE SEAGULL

BY ANTON CHEKHOV

THE JOB OF THE LIGHTING DESIGNER 1.Provide visibility

2.Reveal shape and forms

3.Provide a focus onstage and create visual compositions

4.Assist in creating mood and reinforcing style

5.Help establish time and place

6.Establish a rhythm of visual movement

7.Reinforce a central visual image, establish visual information, or both

PROPERTIES OF LIGHT • Intensity

• Color

• Distribution

• Movement

VISIBILITY• Use standard lighting technology, such as floodlights,

strip lights, and border lights to illuminate the stage and scenery. A diffused wash of light can be desirable in scenes more than one person. It can also set the mood early in the production, like when Treplev stages his play.

ACT 1 • Treplev stages his play outdoors in the moonlight – white,

brilliant moonlight and Nina’s white dress emphasis – represent innocence and youth

• There are love triangles amongst the characters.

• Romantic lighting, perhaps a rosy glow or candlelight.

ACT 2 – RISING ACTION, CHARACTER CONFLICTS, AND THE SEAGULL

• More intense, overall bright light for conflict scenes as well as shadows to intensify emotional energy from passion, anger, and jealousy

• Season should be summer so there should be sunlight-toned colors that illuminate the stage, as well as provide green shadows of trees and leaves. This is when action takes place at daytime.

• Glowing spotlight on the seagull to highlight its symbolic importance

ACT 3 – FORESHADOWING CHANGE • Tense atmosphere in the house – dimmer light

• Lovers depart – brownish light for wistfulness

• Increased use of shadows and grey light on the injured Treplev and foreshadowing scenes

ACT 4 – NINA AND TREPLEV REUNITED• Season changed to winter – use of light to show leafless

tree branches while characters reminisce about their life regrets

• Nina returns on a stormy night – use of sophisticated light effects mimicking rain and wind required

• Special focus on Treplev and Nina while the stage is dark

THE END• It is revealed that Treplev has shot himself in the

warmly lit drawing room where everyone is playing bingo

• Lights go down after this news is delivered

LINKS• http://www.theaterlighting.net/store/scoops.html

• http://chicagotheaterbeat.com/2010/10/30/review-the-seagull-goodman-theatre/

• http://christmasstockimages.com/free/xmas-lights/slides/defocus_lights.htm

• http://elissablake.blogspot.com/2013/07/lizzie-schebesta.html

• www.hannahknapp.com

• www.sirentheatreco.com

• www.michaelriha.com

• en.wikipedia.org

• chicagotheaterbeat.com

• http://www.infoplease.com/spot/colors1.html

• www.telegraph.co.uk

• www.boston.com

• www.fanpop.com