The Magic of Light: The Craft and Career of Jean Rosenthal, Pioneer in Lighting for the Modern Stage

by Jean Rosenthal and Lael Wertenbaker

Book Overview

Learn About the Magic of Light from a Master

Step into the captivating world of Jean Rosenthal, a trailblazing figure in the realm of lighting design for modern theater. The Magic of Light, a professional memoir crafted with the assistance of friend and novelist Lael Wertenbaker, unveils the artistry behind Rosenthal's technical mastery. Renowned for transforming stage illumination from a mere necessity to a mesmerizing art form, Rosenthal shares...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1648374301
• ISBN13: 9781648374302
• Release Date: April 2024
• Publisher: Echo Point Books & Media, LLC
• Length: 270 Pages
• Weight: 1.39 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 8.5" x 11.0"

Customer Reviews

Inspirational

It wasn't until I first read this book that I truly understood the purpose of light on the stage. As Jean stated at the beginning of the book, she was a pioneer of lighting design. Her book is not about gadgetry, even though she does list some aspects, it is about lighting as an art form, lighting as a business, and lighting as a career. I still use this book as an inspiration whenever I become complacent or dismayed in the industry, and it helps me remember the overall picture of which lighting is only a part. Every lighting designer should read this book at some point early in their career, and then come back to it often.

The only textbook I kept

I was a technical theatre student in the mid-80s, and this is the only book which I've kept from the many we had to buy. While it doesn't include all the modern technical gadgets available, it is a wonderfully readable and entertaining discussion on the art of lighting theatre, dance and opera. Jean Rosenthal was a pioneer in stage lighting, moving designers away from making sure the stage wasn't dark to illuminating the plot, characters and theme. This book is hard to find now, which is a pity. It would do many designers well to read it with care. We've gone from "light to see" to Jean's art to "showing off our gadgetry".