Marcia Rowe, Gleaner Writer

The role of the lighting designer or the existence of a technical director in production has not been given much thought by the average theatre audience. But their roles are very crucial to any production. So what does it take to be a technical director?

"The nature of the technical director is to get in trouble," said Robin Baston technical director and lighting designer for Yes!, a Father Ho Lung and Friends production. He further explained that this trouble often resulted from contrasting views between the technical director and the artistic visions of the director and set designer.

For Baston, a Wolmer's old boy, the most enjoyable moment working on the production Yes! is "the comradeship and joy of working with the other members of the production team. The Brothers are most amazing. They are committed to what they do. They command, without asking, respect."

"They work endlessly. They put energy in the production not because of their love for theatre but because the production helps the ministry. There is no better environment than working with the Brothers," Baston said.

What were the challenges then? Baston cited converting the space of the National Arena for a theatrical production with lights as the main challenge.

"There is a thin line between concert and theatre feeling," he said.

Communication

Thus the challenge is to recreate the mood of the production to complement costumes and set, as well as using lights to create entrances and exits. In essence, the challenge is to communicate the look and feel of production in a concert space.

Baston's first production with Father Ho Lung was the first mounting of Jesus 2000. This was followed by the play Amazing Grace and his tours with Isaiah.

However, he has been involved with theatre productions for many years, through Jamaica Musical Theatre Company (JMTC). Baston related that he began working with the company when he was asked to help as a production assistant, "which really meant you are the gopher.'' But as the years went by he got more involved in JMTC's productions.

Subsequently, he has applied his skills in lighting design, directing, set design and costume designs. But his sojourns in all these areas were all by accident. He was asked by Gregg Thames, the director of Cat, a JMTC production, to draw some sketches for the costumes. "Before I know it I was the costume designer," said Baston.

And the gift of this talented Jamaican has translated into eight Actor Boy awards: best costume designer - Cats and Joseph and His Dream Coat; best lighting designer - Beauty and The Beast, Bubbling Brown Girl and The Wiz; and best set designer and best special effects also for the production of the Wiz.