An Exploration of Psychological Space-Time in Theatre and Its Manifestation through Stage Lighting

Abstract

Drama is a form of art that involves the construction of time and space. With the development of modern theatre, psychological time-space has become increasingly important within stage-time structures. As a highly expressive component of visual design, stage lighting plays a significant role in shaping and transforming theatrical time and space. By utilizing lighting dynamics effectively, spatial temporal relationships can be rendered more precise, layered, and emotionally compelling. This study examines the use of lighting elements to elaborate a character's psychological time-space to externalize inner emotions, enhance dramatic conflict, and strengthen the relationship between actor and audience.   It is the purpose of this article to examine the concept, importance, and function of psychological time-space and to demonstrate the inherent connections between lighting design and psychological time-space, as well as to summarize systematically various methods for treating psychological time space through lighting. With reference to the principle of theatrical "fictionality" and supported by production examples, the aim of this article is to clarify the meanings and classifications of stage time space, with an emphasis on the definition of psychological time-space and its use in dramaturgy.   Through a theoretical analysis and practical examples, this paper identifies key lighting elements, such as color, intensity, distribution, and movement, that contribute significantly to the construction of psychological time and space.The findings of this study will provide lighting designers with practical guidance for selecting appropriate techniques when shaping psychological time and space, while offering theatre practitioners new perspectives on integrating lighting into dramatic performance.