Simon is one of the resident illuminators at the Royal Opera House in London where he has worked since 1991. He studied Lighting Design at RADA (London) and Yale University (USA). His work includes Royal Court, English Touring Opera, English National Ballet, Royal Ballet, Opera North, etc. In 2000 he lit up the Samsung Pavilion during the Sydney Olympics. He has written a book on Lighting Design with Neil Fraser: “The handbook of Stage lighting” Crowood press.
Simon shared his knowledge and beginnings with the audience. He then described in detail his work on the opera “Cendrillon”, an original design by Duane Schuler, which Simon was commissioned to reproduce. Attendees had the opportunity to see a dress rehearsal at the Liceu Theatre. Prior to the meeting with Simon, it was possible to visit the stage of the Liceu and check in situ some particularities of the staging. The visit was guided by Josue Sampere, Chief electrician of the Teatro del Liceo.
During the meeting it was very interesting to hear Simon describe how to adapt a design (“Cendrillon” was premiered at the Santa Fe Opera (USA), an open air theatre) to a repertory Opera such as the Covent Garden in London. He also told us about the internal organisation of the lighting department at the Royal Opera House.
And finally he answered all the doubts and questions of the listeners.
As in previous meetings, the result was a very enriching experience for all participants.
You can see the videos of the meetings held so far on the youtube channel of the AAI:
3rd Encounter of Light with Simon Bennison
