Project Abstract

Abstract
The development of lighting in the Renaissance and modern eras represents a significant evolution in the way light has been utilized in art, architecture, and daily life. This study aims to explore and compare the advancements in lighting technology, design, and usage between these two distinct periods in history. During the Renaissance period, lighting played a crucial role in the art and architecture of the time. Natural light was highly valued, and artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Caravaggio mastered the interplay of light and shadow in their works to create depth and realism. The introduction of techniques such as chiaroscuro further enhanced the dramatic effects of light in art. In contrast, the modern era saw a revolution in artificial lighting with the invention of electric light. This innovation transformed the way spaces were illuminated, leading to new possibilities in architecture and design. Architects like Le Corbusier and Frank Lloyd Wright embraced artificial lighting to create innovative spaces that were not limited by natural light sources. The comparison between the Renaissance and modern eras reveals a shift from a reliance on natural light to the integration of artificial lighting as a central element in design. While the Renaissance focused on capturing the nuances of natural light in art and architecture, the modern era embraced the possibilities of artificial lighting to redefine spatial experiences. Furthermore, the study examines how advancements in lighting technology have influenced the perception of space and ambiance. The Renaissance's use of candles, oil lamps, and windows shaped the atmosphere of interiors and emphasized the importance of light quality. In contrast, the development of electric lighting in the modern era allowed for greater control over intensity, color, and direction of light, leading to new ways of creating atmosphere and mood in spaces. In conclusion, the study highlights the evolution of lighting from the Renaissance to the modern era, emphasizing the significance of light in shaping artistic expression, architectural design, and everyday environments. By comparing and contrasting the approaches to lighting in these two periods, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the role of light in shaping human experiences across history.

Project Overview

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Theatre is a collaborative form of art that uses live performance of a real or imagined event before a live audience in a specific place. The performer may communicate this experience to the audience through combinations of gesture, speech, song, music, or dance. Elements of design and stage craft are used to enhance the physicality, presence, and immediacy of the experience.

The specific place of the performance is also known by the world “theatre” as derived from ancient Greece (theatron: a place for viewing) and (theaomar: “to see” “to watch” “to observe”). This is born out by the Web Unabridged Dictionary which says that the word theatre means “an outdoor structure for dramatic performance of spectacle in ancient Greece and Rome” (124)

However, theatre as a creative art, as described by scholars, makes use of the mind, body and human voice as means to an end, that is the entertainment of its audience. There are many branches that make-up the theatre, these include but not limited to play directing, acting, and stage management playwriting, technical directing which includes set design, lighting sound, costume design, and make-up.

Lighting in the theatre means illumination that is the deliberate use of light to achieve a practical or aesthetic effect in a performance. Lightening includes the use of both artificial light source (lanterns) as well as natural illumination by capturing daylight.

Lighting is the illumination of the performance on stage. Light is a flexible atmospheric visual element in the theatre which helps to determine mood, time and also provide focus on stage. Lighting as an art is very crucial for the successful prosecution of a production, no matter the level of sophistication of the performance in question.

1.2 Objectives of the Study

This research is on the development of lighting in the renaissance and modern Eras. The major aim of this research is to properly elucidate and analyse lighting design and application in theatrical productions in the renaissance and modern eras. It also looks at the lighting equipment used and how these lighting equipment have changed in design and usage through the ages. This research would also dwell on a comparative and contrastive study of lighting in both eras.

1.3 Rationale for the Study

People go to the theatre to watch a performance without knowing anything about the use of lighting in the theatre. Emphasis is mostly placed on the actors. For this reason, the usefulness and impact of lighting in the production is usually not known, acknowledged, or appreciated.

It is on this premise that this research not only intends to create awareness on the quality and the impact of lighting in the theatrical productions down the ages, but also on the development of lighting equipment from a historical perspective. The research will also dovetail to look at how the Delta State University theatre has fared with regards to lighting. This thesis will thus open a new vista into this production element known as light and its application. This would, in turn, help to make its place in the production process to be easily understood by the audience especially.

1.4 Significance of the Study

This work will benefit the society by serving as a historical material. It would make lighting and its place in a production more easily understood. It would also benefit researchers and students in situating lighting properly as part of a production.

1.5 Research Methodology

Research methodology is a collective term for the structured process of conducting research, there are different methodologies used in various types of research. In this work, the methodologies that would be used are the historical and literary methodologies.

This research shall make use of the historical methodology to trace the beginnings and development of lighting in the renaissance and modern Eras.

The literary methodology focuses on written and printed library and archival sources, especially books, journals, theses, amongst others. These sources shall supply the bulk of the material to be used in prosecuting this research.

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