Why ‘finding your light’ on stage is so important
RNCM Opera Scenes 2017
Dialogues des Carmélites by F. Poulenc
Garth Bardsley (director)
Chloé Van Soeterstède (conductor)
Though it may seem basic knowledge for a stage performer, it’s easier said then done (and I speak from experience) to ‘stand in your light’ on stage. The most important -and perhaps evident- reason to do it, is to be seen. But there are other less obvious reasons to master it. Light can make a huge difference in how you look on stage. Not only the colour of the light but the angle and, more importantly, the lack of light has a massive impact on your performance and how you are perceived by the audience.
You only have to take one look at the first two images above to see how the difference in light tells a different story in each image. In the second image the light is mostly yellow and red, there is little contrast and it’s more of a ‘general light’, perfect for ‘setting the scene’ and giving the audience more information about what has just happened and what is to come.
In the first image, a bright white light is used with a lot of blue mixed in. Though the blue gives the light a ‘colder’ edge, it creates a softness in Caroline Taylor’s face and makes for sharply contrasted shadows. It almost creates a ‘chiaroscuro’-effect which is the perfect fit for a religiously themed opera like ‘Les dialogues des Carmélites’ by Poulenc and for letting the audience know something special is being communicated. Cleverly picked by director Garth Bardsley, the light sets the scene in which Caroline can tell her character’s story.
By working closely together with the director -you can after all not see yourself perform when you’re on stage, so you need an outside opinion- Caroline is not only seen by the audience, but using yet another tool at her disposal to communicate with the audience.
