1. Natural Lighting: During the Elizabethan era, most theatres were open-air, such as the famous Globe Theatre. This allowed for natural lighting from the sun during daytime performances, which influenced how actors presented the visual aspects of the play.
2. Sunlight and Shadows: The Globe's stage featured a canopy overhead, which protected the actors from direct sunlight. This overhead structure also allowed for the use of shadows created by the sun's position. Actors could strategically position themselves to use these shadows for dramatic effects.
3. Sky Effects: The open roof of the Globe also permitted the use of dramatic sky effects during performances. Actors could time their actions and speeches to coincide with cloud movements, sunset, or even stormy weather, enhancing the visual impact of certain scenes.
4. Artificial Light Sources: Even though performances primarily relied on natural light, artificial light sources were also employed to create specific effects and atmosphere during indoor performances or after sunset. These light sources included:
- Candles and Torches: Candles and torches were used for interior scenes or night-time settings, providing flickering and warm illumination.
- Lanterns: Lanterns were used for scenes such as processions or when characters ventured into dark or mysterious places onstage.
- Limelights: Limelights, which used lime heated by a flame to produce a bright light, were occasionally employed for particular scenes or moments of heightened drama.
5. Colored Glasses and Filters: Actors could hold up small pieces of colored glass or filters in front of candles to create specific colored lighting effects. This technique could contribute to the mood or atmosphere of particular scenes.
6. Costuming and Props: Actors utilized costumes, props, and stage decorations that responded to and integrated with the prevailing light conditions. For instance, reflective fabrics or bright colors might be used to catch and magnify available light.
It is important to note that, compared to modern theatre productions, Shakespeare's plays had relatively limited lighting technology. They relied on natural light and simple artificial lighting to enhance the storytelling rather than creating elaborate light shows. The emphasis was on the dramatic performances, actors' skills, and the power of the written word.