The Playboy of the Western World
DAZAI CHEN
2016 中

The Playboy of the Western World

Lighting design satirizing humanity's reluctance to change the status quo, using time, longing, and illusion as core motifs.

[Client] NTU Department of Drama and Theatre
[Role] Lighting Designer

Overview

“Satire human’s reluctance to change the status quo.”

A graduation production from the Department of Drama and Theatre at National Taiwan University.

Design Concept

Evoking time through repetition, symbolizing longing through static tension, and crafting illusions with shadows, silhouettes, and contrast.

Lighting Tests

Exploring practical light sources and shadow techniques to match the early 20th-century Irish setting.

Silhouette projection tests on backdrop
Silhouette projection tests on backdrop
Handmade kerosene lamps as period-appropriate practicals
Handmade kerosene lamps as period-appropriate practicals
LED fireplace effect
LED fireplace effect

Light Plot & Previz

Previsualization created with Wysiwyg R36 and SketchUp.

Light Plot
Light Plot
Previz - Night scene
Previz - Night scene
Previz - Moonlight with beams
Previz - Moonlight with beams

Production Photos

Dramatic blue lighting
Shadow play with sheep
Warm sunset lighting
Fireplace scene
Couple in colorful lighting
Musical scene with pink lighting
Pub ensemble scene
Bar scene with silhouette above
Night scene with blue cyclorama and pub interior
Couple on table with warm sunset backdrop
Lighting Design grandMA2 WYSIWYG Musical Previz