Lighting Design
Exposed Rigs and Brechtian Washes
One concept: exposed theatricality
A non-naturalistic lighting concept could expose the rig, use hard white states and employ snap changes to keep transitions visible. Treat this as a coherent interpretation inspired by story theatre, not as an AQA requirement.
Concept 1: The Brechtian Wash
The Big Idea: The stage is flooded with flat, white light. There is nowhere for the actors to hide, forcing the audience to look directly at the political realities of the play.
📝 AQA Terminology Bank
Exposed Rig
Leaving the stage lights visible to the audience instead of hiding them behind borders. It constantly reminds the audience they are watching a constructed performance.
Snap Fade
An instantaneous change in lighting states (zero second fade time). It prevents smooth, cinematic transitions, jarring the audience into paying attention.
General Wash
Lighting the entire stage evenly. In Brechtian theatre, this is often done with bright white light to create an objective, courtroom-like feel.
Profile Spotlight
A lantern that projects a hard-edged pool of light. Used to aggressively isolate an actor when they step out of the scene to deliver a Narrator monologue.
📝 Exam Strategy: The Design Grid
Use this structure to make a precise, justified response: choice ➔ dramatic reason ➔ audience effect ➔ terminology.
| Lighting Choice (What) | Impact Justification (Why) | Key Terminology |
|---|---|---|
| Click 'Generate Example' to see a strong answer... |