It seems to me that a critical eye toward lighting design depends on two fundamentals. An understanding of what was attempted, and an evaluation of whether the attempt was well executed. I've also found it useful to assemble a catalog of "moments and observations" without evaluative commentary.
THE CREATIVE PROCESS
Since critical evaluation is, itself, a creative act, it's probably a good idea to consider the architecture of creativity as well. Creative engagement begins with taking charge of the creative impulse. It is one thing to be given a creative task, and quite another to take up the charge and make it your own. Then there's the matter of preparing and gathering (see paragraph #1 above), then incubation (sitting on the information for a while--or sometimes a free-wheeling conversation with others "thinking aloud"), and at some moment an AH-HA will emerge. This is an important moment for it forms a critical juncture. The next step, often overlooked, is verification and re-vision--seeing anew with this point of view in mind. You may find yourself wedded to this first insight until something budges you off of it. Good critical evaluation requires a delicate balance between defending your point(s) of view, and being willing to adjust it to include new information and ideas. (And THAT's more "preparation," and THAT's what makes creative work circular in nature).
A CRITICAL EYE FOR LIGHTING
As we begin looking at lighting specifically designed for stage performances, I think the class needs to accept each other as beginnners, not all at the same point in their education. This will form the basis of what we might call your critical perspective--to borrow a term from painting and drawing. Later in the semester, as we understand more fully the relationship between idea, design, and its execution, we'll be able to write more richly about the subject. So how, then, to write at this early stage of the class? First, clearly express your perspective on the event...in this case KINDERTRANSPORT. Then describe and evaluate the success of lighting it from your unique place in the cosmos. Of course, whatever we are discussing in the class should be applied to your response to the production.
FUTURE BLOGS
Although you have specific productions you are REQUIRED to blog on. That shouldn't be taken as a limitation. Feel free to add to your blog to make it your own creative expression on the topic of stage lighting criticism.
