The New
Theatre Institute of Latvia in collaboration with the Latvian
Theatre Union and the international association THEOREM is initiating
the seminar in light design for Baltic professionals in the
fields of performing arts.
The seminar
in light design will take place June 16-21, 2003 in Liepaja,
Latvia.
Goals
The goal
of the seminar is to stress the importance of light design as
an integral part of a production, to enlarge the role of lighting
in theatre, to stimulate new experiments and initiate new collaboration
projects, as well as exchange experience and the examples of
the "best practices" among participants and speakers
fostering the co-operation and networking within the region
and across Europe.
Target
groups
Seminar
will offer practical training for the basic group of 21 lighting
design professionals from theatres and venues in Latvia, Lithuania,
Estonia and Poland. Theoretical lectures will be open to broader
circle of interested professionals and students representing
also other professions like set designers, stage directors,
managers and technical directors.
Seminar
programme
Trainers
and experienced professionals from European theatres and festivals
will share their knowledge and information about styles and
tendencies in light design, offer analysis of different approaches
both of acknowledged light designers and work developed by seminar
participants themselves. Participants will also acquire practical
skills while working in groups in the leadership of experienced
light designers. Introduction on technical conditions of international
venues in other European countries will be introduced in order
to prepare participants for the international tour or for receiving
international company in their local theatre venue.
Methodology: Lectures/workshops given by the professionals
and speakers from other European countries; video demonstrations
and analyses of realised projects both of speakers and participants;
and practical workshop.
Speakers
There will
be 5 speakers in the seminar leading theoretical lectures and
workshops.
Seminar
programme is developed and seminar will be moderated by Reinhard
Bichsel (Switzerland).
Reinhard
Bicshel has experience being in charge of different technical
management aspects, organising and receiving tours from all
over the world, he has notably experience in working with such
director as Robert Wilson, he has also worked for Basel Theatre
festival. Bicshel has diverse experience, not only in lighting
design, but also he is competent about other aspects of theatre
production, which is an important asset for the moderation of
the seminar. His approach to lighting design is "minimalistic"
what is also important in the context where participants have
limited means.
Christopher
Gorgé (Switzerland) has practical experience assisting different
shows receiving in the theatre of Kaserne/Basel. He has received
productions of such director as Brook, Mnouchkine, Company of
Rafaello Sanzio. He is practically orientated to adapting different
shows and different approaches in lighting. He is well acquainted
with the so called "magical design" in lighting.
He will
lead workshop and theoretic introduction about lighting design
on computer; touring shows and receiving touring companies.
Anders
Larson (Dramatiska Institute, Sweden) will give theoretical
introduction about trends in lighting design in Europe with
video presentations - about historical development (from oil
lamp to gaslight); lighting during early 1900 (electric light
enters the stage); lighting and new technics (mowing light in
the design); lighting styles in theatre, dance and musicals.
In additional Anders Larson will give theoretical lectures about
lighting in the silent movie with some examples; Lighting style
in film during 1940 - 1960; lighting in contemporary film and
TV.
Liisa
Kyrönseppä (Finland) is working in Kiasma Theatre as a lighting
designer and lighting engineer. She has a great experience of
light design in theatres, operas, concerts, dance, exhibitions,
environmental art and teaching of lighting. She will conduct
the practical part of the seminar and theoretical part as well.
Jenny
Kagan (Great Britain) is light designer with experience
of twelve years. She has worked with students on the BA (Hons)
course in Light Design at Rose Bruford and at Central School
of Speech and Drama as well as being involved in many conferences
and seminars over the years. Jenny will conduct practical part
of the seminar - Moving Light and Special Effects.
Organisers
The main
organiser is non-profit organisation the New Theatre Institute
of Latvia (NTIL) that is operating like a regional theatre
centre organising diverse international activities in performing
arts.
Seminar
is developed in close partnership with the Latvian Theatre
Union and the association THEOREM (association supported
by the Culture 2000 programme of the European Union). THEOREM
is associating around 25 internationally orientated performing
art organisations (theatres, festivals, production centres).
Association is a resource for development of the programme and
selecting speakers, as well as co-financer of the project.
Project
is also supported by British Council, Cultural Capital Foundation
of Latvia, Swedish Institute, Embassy of Finland, Arts Council
of Switzerland, Liepaja City Council and Nordic Council of Ministers.
Eligibility
• Applicants
for the seminar can be professionals or emerging professionals
in lighting working in theatres, performing arts venues or other
companies. Other professionals like set designers, stage managers
or stage directors may apply, however practical experience with
lighting is requested.
• Region: three Baltic countries (Latvia, Lithuania,
Estonia) and Poland.
• Knowledge of working language in Russian and/or
English is requested (Seminar will be conducted in English with
translation in Russian where possible)
Participation rules
• The
organisers will make selection of the participants on the bases
of the application taking in account their professional experience
and motivation.
• The participation fee is 120 EUR
• Participant has to cover its own costs of
accommodation and meals. Organisers will offer assistance in
arranging accommodation.
• Recommended to bring to the seminar video
recordings with the interesting productions (of your own work)
for analysis of lighting approaches with trainers.
Contact:
Baiba Tjarve, Director of the New Theatre Institute of Latvia
(baiba@theatre.lv)
Helena Reitupe, manager of the project (helenar@theatre.lv)
