Korean Lighting Designer Ahn Hyo-young Illuminates UK Theatre Scene

In the vibrant world of theatre and musicals, lighting is often the unsung hero, shaping atmosphere and guiding the audience's perception. Ahn Hyo-young, a South Korean stage lighting designer making waves in London's West End, embodies this crucial role. Working under the name Jason Ahn, he is the only Korean stage lighting designer active in the heart of the UK's theatre scene, bringing a distinct perspective to international productions.

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The role of lighting is to illuminate the world.

Ahn's journey into lighting design began not with a fascination for musical instruments, but for the transformative power of light itself, sparked by a concert video in his youth. This early passion led him to pursue formal education in stage lighting, culminating in a Master's degree from Rose Bruford College in the UK. His career gained significant momentum after he connected with world-renowned lighting designer Patrick Woodroffe, a pivotal moment that set him on the path to working in prestigious venues.

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I thought the lighting was cooler than the guitar.

His work at the National Theatre in London, a first for a Korean designer, provided invaluable experience across technical and design aspects of numerous productions. Ahn's design philosophy, centered on 'bold choices, clear information,' seeks to visually define the world of a character and convey emotion through the strategic use of light and shadow. He believes lighting is the final brushstroke that completes a director's vision, capable of altering a scene's mood and a character's emotional state with subtle adjustments.

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I felt like I wanted to play in that kind of water. When I asked how I could work there, Woodroffe advised that getting a degree was the best way.

Looking ahead, Ahn expresses a strong desire to bring his expertise back to South Korea. He envisions reinterpreting classic plays and tackling large-scale musicals, perhaps even taking on a production like 'The Lion King,' which he cites as a personal inspiration for its masterful use of lighting to create immersive environments. His recently published book, 'Neuro-Aesthetic Stage Lighting Design,' further underscores his commitment to exploring the scientific and artistic intersection of light, perception, and storytelling, a perspective he is eager to share with the Korean theatre community.

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The shadow on a person's face can change their emotions, and the same set and costumes can create entirely different atmospheres.