Lighting for the Foundation Stone Meditation  in Eurythmy.         

read this article and then see the update "1st hanging of the silks "at the bottom of the page 

I have been involved in lighting eurythmy performances for small and very large eurythmy stage groups for the last 30 years on many different size stages across world.

 When staging these performances the background surrounding the stage has either been stage curtains, gauzes of a plain colour, blue or grey. Sometimes a Cyclorama

(a white surface lit in coloured light.) is used. 

 The very nature of touring has not allowed for the development or experimentation of this simple background, the result being eurythmy is nearly always done in front of curtains.

   this model shows lit grey curtains from the front 

 Over the last few years I have been asked to light the Foundation stone Meditation when performed in eurythmy.  While operating the lighting for several of Sergei Prokofieff's all day workshops on the foundation stone, I have become more and more aware that the background (see  note bottom of this page ) is not right for the piece. This was further reinforced by observing the background while operating for the recent  AGM  performance at Steiner House.  I thought it’s about time to try to do something about this.    

Curtains with a hole or gap in the back centre to let the eurythmist through at the start and finish of this piece lit in dull lighting, is visually boring and degrading to what is happening on stage.

The background and the light should really enhance the mood and be far more spatial. 

 Lets "think outside the box"    

Look at a lot of paintings depicting spiritual themes and the quality of radiant translucent colour in the background of these paintings is the sort of light filled space I can imagine being more suitable.

 At the moment in this country, there are two geographically  located groups of eurythmists who meet in London or Derbyshire on a regular basis to work on the foundation stone meditation. I support and light the London group and in time will work with the Nottingham group. 

 I would like to take this opportunity to develop with the eurythmists a more suitable background to enhance the piece, and maybe to develop other backgrounds for other types of eurythmy performances.

A few weeks ago I attended the Foundation Stone Eurythmy conference at the Goetheanum.

 Every morning Sergei Prokofieff gave inspiring lectures and demonstrations on this piece concerning the deep symbolism behind the meditation when performed in eurythmy. This ritualistic piece of eurythmy is regarded by Sergei as the most important piece of eurythmy as it displays the meaning of anthroposophy to the world. 

 I gave an initiative workshop,  where I presented an alternative way of staging and lighting this meditation, by showing a DVD of my ideas. 

 My proposals were met with great enthusiasm by Sergei Prokofieff and Werner Barfod (head of section for performing arts) They would like me to carry out the work further on a full size stage.

this model silk curtains lit from the front and back 

 As some of you may know I have been running my own stage lighting company for the last 14 years, apart from training drama teachers and students on a daily basis nation wide. I also have a substantial amount of stage lighting equipment including   control desks, dimmers, lights, cycloramas trussing and staging equipment which I will happily loan for these experiments. ( but even I don’t have everything)    

In order to do this properly I will need funding for silks, and other materials, I will also need some funds for my time, and possible hire of the space,  Aonghus Gordon of the Ruskin Mill trust ,  was very enthusiastic and has agreed that we may use the Merlin Theatre, we will be having a meeting very soon to discus how this a can work.     

Many years ago while working at Birmingham Repertory Theatre I visited Sunfield Children's Home Clent, near Stourbridge  and  met Michael Wilson the founder of Sunfield but he was also a colour scientist.  He and Richard Morte and I carried out colour trials for eurythmy lighting at the Merlin Theatre on several occasions. All this work is now coming to fruition with the practical application of the colour work. The Michael Wilson Trust has agree to sponsor part of this new research. But we will need further sponsors.        

 Sergei Prokofieff and Werner Barfod and other leading eurythmy trainers will be invited to the new presentation. With their approval  the aim would be  to make this work visible in suitable well equipped venues around the country and abroad.  

Note 1 background= refers to any materials needed to mask out the side(wings) or rear of the stage. 

        grabbed video shot from the model,    the  REAL thing looks far more radiant to the naked eye, a real light filled space.  

 Sponsor required

Is there any group or sponsors who would be interested in supporting this venture?  I will need to purchase several gauzes and silk like material,   The Ruskin Mill Trust has agreed to let me run trails at the Merlin Theatre Sheffield  over the next year. 

 It will be based around a normal size stage of 8-12metres wide by 7m high, 6-10- 12 m deep, adjustable to fit other stage sizes.

 The process will involve :

Any help with this project will be greatly appreciated.  I can be contacted at the address below.

Donation how every small will be gratefully received Please make cheques payable to "Foundation Stone Research fund"   and send to John at the address below. 

 John Watson Highfield House  9 Market Place  Heanor  DE75 7AA

Email: john@light-design-ed.demon.co.uk      01773 712130 

now click on Foundation Stone updates

  I am also carrying out a survey to see how eurythmy is being lit around the world. Please take a few moments to look at the survey by clicking on the Eurythmy survey button on the top left of this page.