Lucas Benjaminh Krech

Lighting Design

Dracul: Prince of Fire played at The Crucible in January 2009. Ballet dancers, circus aerialists, fire dancers, blacksmiths, and more converged with their unique talents to create this spectacular dance theater event.

The stage was rigged with fire effects from a toerail of flaming footlights to cascading waterfalls of white gas on the upstage wall. The lighting stayed firmly within traditional modes of modern ballet design. Performers were lit variously with shins and head-his in myriad colors. Separating the dancers from the spectacle became a primary concern as there was a lot of narrative to follow in this complex visual environment.

The color palette was cool and crisp. Because of the emotional and visual intensity of the piece, the lighting needed to be strong, dynamic, and very high contrast.

And, when it comes down to it, fire is fun.