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The Magic of Light: The Craft and Career of Jean Rosenthal, Pioneer in Lighting for the Modern Stage
A lighting designer discusses the people and the productions that she has worked with, revealing the use and significance of lighting in plays, operas, musicals, and ballets.
- GenresNonfiction
256 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 1972
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
February 10, 2017
This is not just a book about stage lighting or theatre. This is a testament to the genius of Jean Rosenthal. J.R. was an innovator in the theatre, not only in the field of lighting design, which she forever changed the face of, but also for women in tech jobs.
The height of J.R.'s career took place during the 'Golden Age' of American Theatre; a time when the musical was taking form as legitimate form of drama; when ballet and dance was becoming a more approachable art; when opera was branching out from the 'traditional' ways of doing things. J.R. was at the helm of many of these movements and innovations.
This book has several parts, including a biography of J.R., her thoughts on musicals, plays, dance, and opera, and how each should be approached. Most importantly, the book offers great insight into the work ethic of one of the most successful and respected theatre artists of the 20th century. There are many lessons to be learned from these pages beyond how to light a stage.
The height of J.R.'s career took place during the 'Golden Age' of American Theatre; a time when the musical was taking form as legitimate form of drama; when ballet and dance was becoming a more approachable art; when opera was branching out from the 'traditional' ways of doing things. J.R. was at the helm of many of these movements and innovations.
This book has several parts, including a biography of J.R., her thoughts on musicals, plays, dance, and opera, and how each should be approached. Most importantly, the book offers great insight into the work ethic of one of the most successful and respected theatre artists of the 20th century. There are many lessons to be learned from these pages beyond how to light a stage.
July 20, 2007
the biography of the first lighting designer. amazing, but hard to find.
February 5, 2018
Its clear what a stunning theatre maker she was, what a clear understanding she had of the big picture. and it is amazing to me to discover how much I have been taught that seems to come from her.
July 1, 2022
Enjoyed the chapters on history of lighting, tools of trade, lighting for opera and lighting for dance
October 4, 2022
So much love for this book
March 5, 2015
This book is great if you want to learn about lighting and how light works. I believe you may need to have some prior knowledge to the lighting world to understand some of the content. However, it is a very easy read. I would recommend this book even though some of the technology used is outdated.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews