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Dance Lighting Pioneer's 40-Year NYC Legacy
4 Apr
Summary
- Carol Mullins died at 86 after 40 years at Danspace Project.
- She transitioned from avant-garde performer to lighting designer.
- Mullins designed for dance and theater globally.
Renowned lighting designer Carol Mullins, celebrated for her extensive work in dance and theater, died on March 24 in Manhattan at the age of 86. For over 40 years, Mullins served as the resident lighting designer for Danspace Project in New York City.
Her career began unexpectedly in the early 1970s after joining Robert Wilson's avant-garde collective, where she transitioned from performing to lighting design. This pivotal shift led her to collaborate with numerous choreographers and directors across iconic venues.
Mullins's tenure at Danspace Project, primarily at St. Mark's Church in-the-Bowery, began in 1982. She deeply understood the space, balancing its architectural beauty with the practical demands of performance.
Throughout her career, Mullins received three New York Dance and Performance Awards (Bessies) and one Obie Award. She was honored by Danspace Project at their 50th-anniversary gala in 2024. Her contributions significantly shaped the visual landscape of contemporary dance and theater.
