How do I Light an Ancient Greek Theater?

Although Greek theater grew out of a festival celebrating Dionysus, the theater rapidly took on an individual identity. Many components of theater quickly increased in complexity; they included elaborate costumes, specialty shoes and grandiose gestures to ensure that the audience could accurately read the body language of the actors.



Even with the increase in complexity of such factors, lighting in the ancient Greek theater remained relatively simple. In general, most plays took place during the daytime, using the sun to light the production. If a scene was taking place in the night, lanterns or torches conveyed the fact that the setting was night.

Things You'll Need

• Torches
• Wall sconces
• Closed lanterns

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Purchase or make handheld torches for actors who will be on the stage. Torches should be simple in style and easy to carry as actors move around the scene.

   • 2

     Secure wall sconces or torch holders to the stage or solid walls. These will be useful for adding additional light and securing torches during scenes to allow actors freedom of movement without holding a lit torch.

   • 3

     Place lanterns on tables or sturdy set furniture as appropriate for the production. Put lanterns along the edge of the stage, if bright lighting is needed.