Week 7: Rehearsal, Rehearsal, GOBO?!

Rehearsal with Sheron Wray's Insight Jazz Ensemble is every Tuesday and Thursday at 5pm. Without fail, every week, the sun streams in through the studio windows around the 6pm mark, and practically blinds us dancers as we attempt to practice various intricate/complicated/precise steps in several different pieces. We have a show coming up in the next two weeks, and have been rehearsing later into the evening to prepare.

I apologize for the bad quality of the (left) photo, I was attempting to snap this picture secretively so as not to disturb the rehearsal process, and so it is difficult to see what I will be discussing.  I love this photo because I am reminded of two really important factors in lighting design: texture and color. First off, I thought it was so ironic that we had just discussed color theory in our lecture on Friday, and just wanted to comment on how there is a rainbow in this picture (resulted from sunlight reflecting off the mirror) . When a prism spreads out the color in white light (which is the inclusion of all colors), a rainbow is formed (Lonnie,  I might want to set up a meeting time with you to make sure I really understand this). If you look further into the picture, you'll notice a cluster of sunlight formed on the marley. Although I couldn't snap the best picture of this texture, in the moment, it was absolutely stunning. This sunlit texture (that reminds me of a shuttered-off gobo) was created by mere coincidence and timing, but is so beautiful and adds so much dimension to the space even in its simplicity and natural state.  Because of this naturally created texture, I began to think about simplicity and nature in design. While I have little experience, I feel that if I were to design a piece, my design would at first be complicated and elaborate, and might be unclear to spectators. I am starting to realize that perhaps simplicity is key to further enhancing an audience member's entrance into the piece's world. Providing clarity through texture, color, and source is only possible when each element compliments another (is this correct Lonnie?), and sometimes, not all three elements are needed. While this is a budding thought (and really difficult for me to write about), I believe that the natural result of sunlight reflecting off of the studio mirror inspired me to think about design in a way that brings life to the stage in it's purest, sharpest, clearest form. I believe that simplicity and naturality (is that a word? for lack of a real term) are pivotal and establishes a sense of place (a setting), and further draws the audience into the space and allow each member to see the message/purpose/concept of a piece for an instant. When snapping the picture, I found myself instantaneously responding to the effect of the light, and felt drawn to the space. I believe that it is important that a designer thinks about human nature when programming (and plotting). As creators/artists, I've noticed that we often attempt to out-do/surprise an audience so as to bring a new and refreshing light to a piece, but I also question these motives. Perhaps the most relatable pieces are the ones that allow for the audience to instinctually connect to and understand the motive of the design (even if it is predictable, and not fresh or innovative).  Perhaps this simplicity will trigger an audience's human instinct most successfully and will allow for further entrance into a piece's dimension…  just a thought (not even sure if this blog post makes sense in textual form)? The second picture below is the same reflected pattern (just with dancers!). I believe that this picture is a great example of what I have been attempting to convey into words. Although Nicole is blinded with light, it is as if she has entered a completely different world than I have (I am standing in the back).