Lighting Plot and the Realisation of Production Objectives in Emotan: The Benin Heroine

Abstract

Lighting plot is basically considered by theatre practitioners as the blueprint that outlines the expected lighting fixtures for a given performance. It is a road map that shows the locations of the lighting equipment; a scale mechanical drawing and also regarded as a fundamental component in stage productions, serving as a blueprint that outlines the specific arrangement and operation of lighting fixtures throughout a performance. This study aims at exploring the role of lighting plot in the realization of production objectives in Amah Inimfon’s direction of Emotan: The Benin Heroine. Leaning on the frameworks of Stanley McCandles Lighting Theory which details the concepts and techniques of lighting as it advances the thematic concerns of a production; this paper adopts qualitative research design to interrogate issues of lighting plot in the concerned theatre production. It argues that lighting plot plays a pivotal role in actualizing production objectives in theatre practice and a thoughtfully crafted lighting plot is indispensable for the realization of identified production objectives. The study submits that meticulous planning and placement of lighting fixtures can be effectively achieved through strategic utilization of the lighting plot and designers can further their relevance through collaboration with director and other personnel of the production team.