Introduction:
Paolo Felici
Speakers:
Stefano Mazzanti (Lighting designer)
Lucilla Furfaro (architect, set designer).
Light is the physical entity that enables the eye to see. By revealing shapes, it therefore contributes to building the perception of Space and affects the volumes which, as a consequence, generate their own shadows. The presence of light therefore determines Vision in its deepest meaning, allowing the eye to see and at the same time defining the perception, character and interpretation of the space present in the visual field, because the juxtaposition of the volumes and colours that compose and characterise it produces changing impressions as the nature and character of the light source change.
In contemporary theatre, light plays the most important role in two fundamental and essential aspects: the creation of spaces and dramaturgy or narration. With these elements, investigated and developed in due course, light can make a qualitative leap and become “generative”, that is, from the outset, it can be an active part of the process of creating a show and determine its development. Light creates space and always does so. It does so when there are set elements, using various modes and directions of origin, to relate to them and bring out one perception rather than another. It does so, even more so, when the space is empty, constructing spatial scans, cut-outs, light-dark alternations, and “rhythmic light” solutions in the style of Appia. Then the light “tells the story”. It is never neutral when it acts (or when it is not there); it is able to tell us many things and is therefore dramaturgy. Semiologically, it is one of the many languages that make up the complex Text of the show.
Communications Office of the Academy of Fine Arts in Rome
Coordination: Prof. Guglielmo Gigliotti g.gigliotti@abaroma.it
Collaboration: Chiara Picco, Martina Macchia, Marianna Pontillo comunicazione@abaroma.it