Zhang Designs Sound for The Light and the Dark at 59E59
Dress rehearsal photo of The Light and the Dark
The Light and The Dark is a new off-Broadway play currently premiering at 59E59 Theaters in New York, NY that brings to life the story of one of the most remarkable and pioneering women in art history. Set during the Italian Renaissance, The Light and The Dark shares the narrative of Artemisia Gentileschi, a Baroque painter determined to rise above the barriers of gender and societal expectations. As she fights to be recognized in a world that insists women cannot truly be artists, Artemisia’s unyielding passion and talent push her to create masterpieces that forever alter the course of art history. Told through Artemisia's perspective, this play navigates the challenges, betrayals, and triumphs that define her journey and captures the complexity of ambition, resilience, rage, and the sheer force of her will to make her mark, both on and off the canvas. As Artemisia’s career gains momentum, a series of devastating betrayals threaten to break her spirit, but her determination never wavers. This production is an exploration of art, power, and the indomitable spirit of a woman who shaped the world with a paintbrush.
The Department of Theatre and Dance celebrates the opening of The Light and The Dark, and the work of Assistant Professor of Sound Design, Fan Zhang, who created the original music for this production. In an interview, Fan shares her process, inspiration, and the emotional power of sound in bringing the story to life.
Sound design is a unique and creative discipline that blends technical skill with artistic expression. For Fan, this field became the perfect blend of passions developed over a lifetime. Movies, theater, and music were integral to her childhood, and discovering sound design felt like the natural next step in her creative journey. "I get to spend my days making noises and telling stories through sound" she stated, reflecting on how she turned a childhood fascination into a fulfilling career. When asked about the most rewarding part of sound design, Fan highlighted the importance of collaboration; "The people—every project feels unique because of the individuals involved". Whether working with directors, designers, or performers, the exchange of ideas inspires fresh perspectives. The teamwork required to create something greater than the sum of its parts is a constant source of excitement. “Every production is a shared journey," she emphasizes that the collective effort to bring a vision to life is the most thrilling aspect of the process.
The sound design process is inherently flexible, with each project demanding its own approach. For The Light and The Dark, Fan’s work began with the script and conversations with the director and creative team to understand the emotional tone and vision of the play; "I shaped an initial palette of sounds and music to work with, all in alignment with the play’s themes". As the design evolved, she worked closely with the visual team, ensuring that the sound complemented the color palette and visuals for a cohesive sensory experience. Though the rehearsal process was where the design truly began to shift. As Fan stated, "Watching the actors’ performances in real time gave us a better sense of how the sound could enhance or minimize certain moments”. In some scenes, the sheer intensity of the actors’ performances led to a deliberate reduction in sound, ensuring that the sound design didn’t compete with the storytelling. By the time the technical rehearsals arrived, the process focused on refinement, ensuring that the final design was perfectly attuned to the emotional rhythm and rawness of the play. Sound and music serve as both a reflection of the characters and a bridge between the audience and the story.
In The Light and The Dark, Fan sought to capture Artemisia Gentileschi’s emotional journey, specifically her resilience, rage, and artistic brilliance, all through utilizing sound. "The sound invites the audience into her world, creating space for their own interpretation," she explains. Fan’s goal was to amplify the themes of the play without overtly imposing emotion on the audience. Research also played a significant role in grounding the sound design in the authenticity of the Renaissance era while offering a fresh perspective. Fan incorporated historical elements, such as the sound of church bells, the subtle stroke of a paintbrush, and even the metallic creaks of Le Sibile, a torture machine. These sounds were transformed into an innovative soundscape, blending traditional and modern techniques. "I wanted to create an auditory experience that was both historical and contemporary, ensuring that the audience could connect with Artemisia’s world in a new and profound way."
For Fan, The Light and The Dark is not just about Artemisia’s journey, it’s about the audience's engagement with themes of resilience and resistance. "Her struggles, her refusal to be silenced, and her ability to transform pain into art resonate with the struggles many people still face today" Fan explains. The hope is that the play sparks conversations about equity and empowers viewers, offering strength and inspiration to anyone who may feel silenced or oppressed. "If the audience leaves feeling connected to Artemisia’s resilience," Fan concludes, "then the story has done its work."
When it comes to advising future sound designers, Fan's message is clear: “Create, create, create”. Fan urges students to experiment, and to never stop learning. "Make tons of sounds, write tons of music”. Experiment with your voice, record sounds from the world around you, and invent new ways of producing sound. It's not about making polished work at first; it's about honing your intuition through endless practice and exploration. Listening is just as important as creating. "Engage with the world of sound," the more you listen, the more you understand how sound interacts with space, shapes emotion and tells a story. "Sound design is about both creating and understanding", Fan notes, and this understanding comes from deep, critical listening and constant determination to learn.
