New playhouses were built in England and their large sizes called for more elaborate lighting. Charles II, who would later become King Charles II witnessed Italian theatrical methods and brought them back to England when he came to power. During this theatrical famine, great developments were being made in theaters on the European mainland. While Oliver Cromwell was ruling Britain, all stage production was suspended in 1642 and no advancements were made to English theaters. At an unknown date, candlelight was introduced which brought more developments to theatrical lighting across Europe. As theaters moved indoors, artificial lighting became a necessity and it was developed as theaters and technology became more advanced. Early Modern English theaters were roofless, allowing natural light to be utilized for lighting the stage. Natural light continued to be utilized when playhouses were built with a large circular opening at the top of the theater. They would build their theatres facing east to west so that in the afternoon they could perform plays and have the natural sunlight hit the actors, but not those seated in the orchestra. The earliest known form of stage lighting was during the early Grecian (and later the Roman) theaters.
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