Lighting Design
Chiaroscuro, Treason, and Demonic Shadows
The Common weakness: “Making it dark”
A weak answer says “turn the lights down”. A strong answer explains how darkness is created and what it communicates. Use chiaroscuro (sharp contrast) to hide threats in shadow, and up-lighting to distort the Witches’ faces. Lighting must track moral collapse: warm order → cold secrecy → psychological colour shifts.
Lighting states in performance
Duncan's Golden Court (Act 1)
Before regicide, Scotland is ordered and safe. Use a wide warm amber/gold wash (soft edges) to suggest moral stability and public openness. Warmth becomes a visual shorthand for legitimate authority.
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Synopsis & Journeys
Track the tragic descent from war hero to tyrant king.
Context & History
King James I, witchcraft, and the Divine Right of Kings.
Characters & Acting
Playing guilt, supernatural possession, and shifting status.
Scenes & Proxemics
Interactive staging for the Witches, Banquets, and Battles.
Themes & Quotes
Ambition, the supernatural, and corrupted masculinity.
Design Elements
Castles, heaths, bloody costumes, and supernatural lighting.