What are some creative lighting design ideas for Shakespearean plays?

1 Tragedy and drama

Shakespeare's tragedies and dramas, such as Hamlet, Macbeth, or King Lear, often deal with dark and complex themes, such as madness, betrayal, ambition, and fate. To reflect these aspects, lighting designers can use low-key lighting, which creates high contrast, shadows, and dramatic effects. Low-key lighting can also emphasize the isolation, tension, and conflict of the characters, and create a sense of mystery and suspense. For example, a spotlight on Hamlet's face during his soliloquies can reveal his inner turmoil, while a dim and gloomy lighting can suggest the corruption and decay of the Danish court.

2 Comedy and romance

Shakespeare's comedies and romances, such as A Midsummer Night's Dream, As You Like It, or The Tempest, often feature lighter and more playful themes, such as love, magic, nature, and transformation. To reflect these aspects, lighting designers can use high-key lighting, which creates bright, even, and cheerful effects. High-key lighting can also enhance the fantasy, whimsy, and humor of the characters, and create a sense of wonder and joy. For example, a colorful and sparkling lighting can suggest the fairy realm in A Midsummer Night's Dream, while a warm and soft lighting can suggest the pastoral and romantic setting of As You Like It.

3 History and politics

Shakespeare's histories and political plays, such as Julius Caesar, Richard III, or Henry V, often depict the rise and fall of rulers, the clash of factions, and the consequences of power. To reflect these aspects, lighting designers can use backlighting, which creates depth, perspective, and focus in a theatrical production. Backlighting can also highlight the status, authority, and charisma of the characters, and create a sense of drama and spectacle. For example, a strong and direct backlighting can suggest the glory and heroism of Henry V in his battle speeches, while a subtle and indirect backlighting can suggest the cunning and deception of Richard III in his plots.

4 Experimental and modern

Shakespeare's plays are not limited to traditional or historical settings, but can also be adapted to experimental or modern contexts, such as sci-fi, horror, or dystopia. To reflect these aspects, lighting designers can use special effects, such as strobe lights, lasers, fog machines, or projections. Special effects can create mood, atmosphere, contrast, and symbolism in a theatrical production, and enhance the themes, characters, and emotions of the Bard's works. For example, a strobe light can create a sense of chaos and violence in a futuristic version of Macbeth, while a laser can create a sense of alienation and technology in a sci-fi version of The Tempest.

5 Practical and artistic

Shakespeare's plays are not only artistic expressions, but also practical challenges, especially for lighting designers. Lighting designers have to consider various factors, such as the size and shape of the stage, the location and time of the performance, the budget and resources available, and the vision and collaboration of the director and the actors. To overcome these challenges, lighting designers have to be creative, flexible, and innovative, and use their skills and tools to create effective and engaging lighting designs for Shakespearean plays.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?