Lighting the lit: luminosity as protagonist in mediated performance

The explosion of light emitting diode (LED) and liquid crystal display (LCD) screens into our lives has had a significant impact not only on the availability and portability of media and information, but also on our relationship with light. This article considers an exploration of the relationship between dancer, designer and light and the question is asked; how is digital light a new voice in performance? From this discussion thepaper proposes an approach to lighting design that acknowledges the voice of digital lighting and its ability to communicate both through luminance and mediatized content. Digital light has the potential to significantly affect spatial and communication experiences for both the viewer and the performer. In its ability to both illuminate other spaces as well as define its own through content, digital lighting speaks to us not only of the spaces it inhabits, but also of spaces it can create. In exploring this duality, the work of Massumi is brought into the discussion. Massumi proposes that tracing the pathway of movement opens up opportunities to re-trace, to take a retrospective journey along the trajectory and that this can create, by feedback, new notions of movement. Through anexploration and retracing of the pathways of digital light, ideas about the nature of its movement and notions of affect on performance are presented