Return To The Theater

With the development of multimedia, new science and advanced technology, the field of lighting design is undergoing drastic transformations. An increasing number of performances come into the stage with different style, in this case, stage lighting becomes more and more complicated and comprehensive. We are confused with different kinds of stages which is full of huge stage settings and large numbers of new lighting equipment. Meanwhile, in the western world, there is still funky-styled stage performance, with traditional fixtures and simple stage settings. So how do we figure out the quality of lighting art?From director and cofounder of the Royal Shakespeare Company Peter Brook, The Empty Space is a timeless analysis of theatre from the most influential stage director of the twentieth century. Peter Brook separated four different kinds of theatre, that is, the deadly theatre, the holy theatre, the rough theatre and the immediate theatre. As we look to the field of LIGHTING, we can also learn from his theatre idea.In my graduation thesis, I attempt to analyze and include different kinds of phenomenon in stage lighting arts and make critical thinking for our contemporary lighting design. Ultimately, I’m going to rethink the function of lighting and to explore the right way returning back to the theatre.