Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The development of lighting in the Renaissance and modern eras has been a significant aspect of architectural and artistic advancements. This study aims to explore and compare the evolution of lighting techniques, sources, and their impact on the visual arts, architecture, and societal norms during these two distinct periods. During the Renaissance, natural lighting played a crucial role in the illumination of architectural spaces and artwork. Innovations such as the use of clerestory windows, skylights, and the manipulation of light through the placement of openings in buildings, allowed for a harmonious integration of light and form. Artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Caravaggio mastered the interplay between light and shadow, known as chiaroscuro, to create depth and drama in their artworks. In contrast, the modern era witnessed a shift towards artificial lighting with the invention of incandescent bulbs, fluorescent tubes, and LEDs. This revolutionized the way spaces were illuminated, allowing for greater flexibility and control over the intensity and color of light. Architects like Le Corbusier and Frank Lloyd Wright embraced artificial lighting to enhance the spatial experience in their designs, creating dynamic environments that responded to the needs of the inhabitants. The comparison between the Renaissance and modern approaches to lighting reveals a fundamental shift in the perception and use of light. While the Renaissance focused on capturing and manipulating natural light to create a sense of awe and spirituality, the modern era prioritized efficiency, functionality, and experimentation with artificial light sources. This transition also reflects broader societal changes, such as the industrial revolution and urbanization, which influenced the way people interacted with light in their daily lives. Furthermore, the study examines the cultural and symbolic significance of lighting in both eras. In the Renaissance, light was often associated with divine presence, enlightenment, and purity, symbolizing the transcendence of the material world. On the other hand, modern lighting design has been influenced by technological advancements, consumer preferences, and sustainability concerns, reflecting a more pragmatic approach to illuminating spaces. By analyzing the development of lighting in the Renaissance and modern eras, this study aims to shed light on the evolution of artistic and architectural practices, as well as the changing attitudes towards light as a medium of expression and experience.

Thesis 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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