The world of theatre and cinema uses several technical terms, but most people aren’t aware of those yet use them on a daily basis
The world of drama, theatre and cinema is full of technical complexities. And over the years, words that define those technical complexities have made it into the lives of the general masses. In short, we use several words from the world of theatre and cinema whose meaning we are aware of but whose origin we are not.
For example, limelight – John loves being in the limelight – a figurative meaning of “at the centre of attention”. But why the word limelight?
The limelight was a bright and incandescent lamp invented by Englishman Thomas Drummond in 1816 to survey islands.
Surveying islands in poor weather conditions was challenging. Therefore, limelight lamps were installed on top of the islands’ mountains to ensure a clear sight.
The lime in the limelight refers to limestone, which emits white light when heated with oxygen and hydrogen gases.
Before the invention of electricity and lights, theatres were lighted by gas lights. However, gas lights were dim, and thousands were needed to bring adequate light on stage, putting everyone in danger.
After gas lights, heated calcium oxide, known as quicklime, was used to illuminate the stages. This is where the phrase “in the limelight” comes from.
