Jiyoun Chang uses Paragon M to move from intimate face light to high-energy effect in Sarah Jones’s acclaimed one-woman show
Elation Paragon LED profile fixtures helped scenic and lighting designer Jiyoun Chang shape the visual world of America, Who Hurt You?, a thought-provoking one-woman show written and performed by Tony and Obie Award-winning artist Sarah Jones.
Presented by Theatre for a New Audience at the National Black Theatre in Harlem from September 10 through October 4, the production called for a lighting solution that could support both intimate moments and high-energy scenes while maintaining a quiet environment.
Directed by Eric Ting, America, Who Hurt You? uses comedy and a remarkable range of characters to explore 250 years of American history, confronting the country’s founding myths, political divisions, and unresolved injustices.
Chang, who has previously collaborated with Ting on both scenic and lighting design, joined the production with limited time to develop both elements.
Quiet Operation for an Intimate Performance
With quiet operation a priority, one of the production's key lighting considerations was replacing the arc-source fixtures used in previous runs. With limited time and labor for changes to the overhead rig, Chang needed a solution that could be deployed quickly and deliver the required performance from the stage deck.
Lighting supplier 4Wall, which maintains a large inventory of Paragon series fixtures, recommended the Paragon M. Six fixtures were positioned stage right and left on top of 4Wall loading cases, replacing the existing deck units without requiring changes to the overhead rig.
“I didn’t know much about Paragon at the time, but 4Wall recommended it, so we took their advice — and I was very happy with the result. It was definitely quiet, which was important for this production. For a fixture of its size, it was also really punchy, with a good color mix. We used it throughout the show, and I would definitely use it again in a theatrical setting.”
From Subtle Face Light to Saturated Effects
Chang used the Paragon M fixtures throughout the performance, drawing on their versatility for both facial illumination and more atmospheric, rock-and-roll-inspired looks. The fixtures worked alongside deck-mounted backlights and moving heads in the overhead rig, giving the lighting team a range of tools to shape the stage.
The Paragon M combines a high-output white-light LED engine with precision framing, rich color, gobo projection, and an interchangeable lens system. Its TruTone variable CRI technology lets users balance output and color fidelity to suit different lighting needs.
Lighting programmer Roya Abab appreciated the Paragon’s ability to move between subtle white-light treatments and more saturated looks without losing impact.
“One of the nice things about the fixture was that we could use it for both,” Abab says. “It handled the tinted colors we used for face light really well, but we also had moments with very saturated colors, and it could still punch through those colors.”
The team also used the fixture's gobo projection and animation capabilities extensively to create textured looks. Warm white and amber, alongside white and blue, formed the primary color palette, while the fixtures’ framing and effects helped distinguish individual moments within the performance.
From Face Light to Fireworks
Two contrasting moments demonstrated the Paragon M’s range. Positioned at the sides of the stage, the fixtures could focus tightly on Jones’s face for an intimate, soft look. At other points, the same units helped create a much larger fireworks scene.
“Because the fixtures were positioned on the sides, we could iris in really tightly on the performer’s face and create a very intimate moment,” Abab says. “Then, at the other end of the spectrum, we used them for a big fireworks moment with gobos, texture, and the animation. It was great to have one fixture that could do both.”
Chang also noted that the fixtures' fast, stable movement was an asset during the more dynamic fireworks sequences, helping the team achieve the desired effects.
Both Chang and Abab came away satisfied by the fixture’s performance. For Chang, the experience also established Paragon as a fixture she would consider for future productions.
“It’s a nice light,” the designer summed up. “For a theatrical setting, a rock-and-roll production, or musical setting, it’s a good fit.”
Following its New York run, America, Who Hurt You? is scheduled to appear at the Public Theater as part of the Under the Radar festival in January 2027, with a tour also planned.
Photos courtesy National Black Theatre
About Elation
At Elation, we collaborate with leading professionals in the lighting industry to help bring extraordinary experiences to life. As a designer and manufacturer of a wide range of high-performance entertainment lighting products, we’re proud to be a trusted partner to top lighting professionals and production/rental houses around the world. Our commitment to quality, innovation, and creative solutions has made us a go-to resource in the industry. We also offer an advanced line of lighting control products through Obsidian Control Systems, and a full range of dependable specialty effects called Magmatic. Elation serves clients worldwide through offices in Los Angeles, Mexico City, Canada, and the Netherlands. We invite you to take a closer look at elationlighting.com
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