Chiaroscuro, Treason, and Demonic Shadows
A weak answer says: "I would turn the lights down because it's a sad tragedy." A top-band answer explains how the darkness is achieved. You must use terms like Chiaroscuro (sharp contrast between light and dark) to hide assassins in the shadows, and Up-lighting to distort the Witches' faces.
Before the regicide, Scotland is ordered and safe under King Duncan. Use wide Fresnel lanterns with warm amber and gold gels to flood the stage. This creates a rich, welcoming atmosphere with soft edges, representing the 'Divine Right of Kings' and the natural warmth of a loyal, uncorrupted court.
Use these pre-structured sentences in your exam to instantly hit the top marking bands for lighting justification.
| Design Element (What) | Impact Justification (Why) | Key Terminology |
|---|---|---|
| I would place floor lanterns (birdies) at the Downstage edge, pointing up at the Witches' faces with sickly green gels. | This up-lighting reverses natural shadows, making their faces look hollow, distorted, and demonic. It visually confirms their supernatural, unearthly nature to the terrified Jacobean audience. | Up-lighting Distortion Gels (Green) Supernatural |