Black Light Theatre - in Performance

In Performance

The effect of Black Light Theatre allows invisible performers to move visible props, turning the objects into independent participants in the theatre at the same level as the human actors. Furthermore, the appearance of objects and actors in a performance can be sudden and can occur anywhere on stage, even within a few meters of an audience member. In order to achieve this effect it is necessary to create an intense field of UV light throughout the entire playing space. Because the intensity of light emitted from a typical 'black light' source diminishes significantly with increased distance from the source, covering an entire theatre space with UV light requires either that the 'black light' sources be spaced as close as one meter apart or emit much more light than a typical 'black light'. Another important consideration is that, since most of the space is completely dark, and the form is heavily dance based, a single wrong move by a single performer can negatively impact the entire production. For this reason performers train extensively specifically for the Black Light Theatre environment.

Contemporary Black Light Theatre often includes many highly technical devices, in addition to the standard 'black light' technique. Such devices can include "flying" performers, large video projections, and even massive puppets. These technical devices serve as a significant factor in Black Light Theatre's worldwide popularity; since its most important devices are entirely visual, audiences throughout the world can understand most Black Light Theatre performances. The intended result is a theatrical work that combines grand spectacle with beautiful and moving art. Major companies currently producing Black Light Theatre include Srnec Theatre, Ta Fantastika Theatre, Image Theatre, Metro Theatre, and All Colours Theatre.