Working on the lighting design on Belong has been an absolute privilege and a lot of fun. My process initially involves a lot of talking and observation in order to make sure I can help tell the story as well as complement the other design elements in the performance.

I spent a lot of time in the rehearsal room watching the two different works come alive, listening to Stephen or Elma translate their ideas from words into dance. I sat in the workshop with Jake as he played with different set designs and with Emma as she experimented with her costumes and colours. And I joined David in his studio as he created the sounds and music for each piece.

I needed to be sure to choose the right colour palette and lighting fixtures to support and create in their own right, images that will help Stephen and Elma tell their stories. They are two very different themes and stories and so the early stage of my process is quite a lot of observation and just taking in the show. In my work I try to refine my ideas as much as possible and then when we head into the theatre, that’s when I really get to put my work in to action.

Matt Cox
Lighting Design