Trends And Technological Advancement In Stage Lighting: Case Studies Of Abibigromma And National Theatre Players, 1980 – 2010

ABSTRACT

The study was embarked upon to investigate the trends and technological advancement in stage lighting with Abibigromma and the National Theatre Players as case study groups. The study becomes significant owing to the limited literature in the area of trends and technological advancement of stage lighting in the Ghanaian theatre practice. The qualitative research method is employed, which allows the use of historical, literary and case study methodologies helped to unravel the use of stage lighting in the Ghanaian theatre from 1980–2010. Data for the research was based on interviews, still photographs extracted from four (4) video recorded stage productions of Abibigromma Theatre Company and National Theatre Players, documented library materials, internet sources and other supporting materials. The purposive sampling technique was used to assist in gathering relevant data. Analysis and interpretation on the gathered information showed the continuous use of spot and flood lights by the two theatre groups. One of the major findings discovered by the study shows, that the use of stage lighting was minimal during the initial stages of the groups’ performances. The style of mounting one flood light on two separate lighting stands was initially adopted. The theatre groups later improved upon the style by fixing two flood lights on separate lighting stands, with the lights facing the stage to give enough visibility to the audience. It is recommended, that Abibigromma Theatre Company and the National Theatre Players groups should invest in newly developed lighting instruments in order to incorporate a touch of technologically advanced lighting system into their stage performances.