This book looks at various important events relating to the poetics of light in theatre production in the West in the twentieth century, from the great reformists at the beginning of the century to contemporary artists such as Josef Svoboda, Alwin Nikolais and Robert Wilson. The intention isn’t to outline a somewhat comprehensive history of stage lighting, instead it is an attempt to identify some basic issues concerning its use. Lighting issues are unshackled from the limited contexts of technique and image, where they often end up only to be relegated, and examined in the context of the performance’s space/time structure, poetic and dramatic construction, and the relationship with the performer. A section dedicated to the theatrical work of the author outlines the distinctive point of view behind the book, regarding the creative processes and the operational relationship with technique. The title Active Light is a direct reference to Adolphe Appia who, at the end of the nineteenth century, was one of the first to deal with the issue of light explicitly as an artistic issue in theatre, with his own writings and creations. As far as Appia was concerned lumière active was expressive light, creating shapes, forming poetic matter and dramatic substance.
«Drawing inspiration from philosophers, artists and theatre-makers, Crisafulli exhibits a rich theoretical, historical and practical understanding of lighting – sensitive towards its emplacement, its mobility and its absence – as well as a proficiency in activating architecture, bodies and shadows. Rather than advocate a single approach or exhibit a signature aesthetic, his scholarly and practice-based research illustrates a broad and persistent inquiry into light’s potential: dramaturgically, poetically and experientially. This book is an explication not only on how light acts, but how, as an event in itself, it activates both things and thinking» (Dorita Hannah)
Fabrizio Crisafulli is a theatre director and visual artist. He runs the theatre company Il Pudore Bene in Vista based in Rome, which he established in 1991. Fabrizio’s production work includes space and lighting design, and he also creates installations in addition to the company’s activities. He works in Italy and various European and non-European countries. The defining aspects of his work are his use of light as an independent subject of poetic construction, and what he defines as the 'Theatre of Places' (treating the place as ’text’ and a matrix for performances), involving research along with stage production. He teaches at the Accademia di Belle Arti in Rome and at RomaTre University. He holds workshops at universities, academies, festivals and theatrical organisations in Italy and abroad. Artdigiland has dedicated the book 'Place, Body, Light. The Theatre of Fabrizio Crisafulli, 1991-2011' to his work.
«Drawing inspiration from philosophers, artists and theatre-makers, Crisafulli exhibits a rich theoretical, historical and practical understanding of lighting – sensitive towards its emplacement, its mobility and its absence – as well as a proficiency in activating architecture, bodies and shadows. Rather than advocate a single approach or exhibit a signature aesthetic, his scholarly and practice-based research illustrates a broad and persistent inquiry into light’s potential: dramaturgically, poetically and experientially. This book is an explication not only on how light acts, but how, as an event in itself, it activates both things and thinking» (Dorita Hannah)
Fabrizio Crisafulli is a theatre director and visual artist. He runs the theatre company Il Pudore Bene in Vista based in Rome, which he established in 1991. Fabrizio’s production work includes space and lighting design, and he also creates installations in addition to the company’s activities. He works in Italy and various European and non-European countries. The defining aspects of his work are his use of light as an independent subject of poetic construction, and what he defines as the 'Theatre of Places' (treating the place as ’text’ and a matrix for performances), involving research along with stage production. He teaches at the Accademia di Belle Arti in Rome and at RomaTre University. He holds workshops at universities, academies, festivals and theatrical organisations in Italy and abroad. Artdigiland has dedicated the book 'Place, Body, Light. The Theatre of Fabrizio Crisafulli, 1991-2011' to his work.
