Yaron Abulafia

Lighting and set designer

Dr. Yaron Abulafia is a visual artist and researcher. In his work, he explores the dynamic intersection of light and space, where scenography and installation art converge. His creations transform light (and light objects) into vivid designs for ballet, theatre, and opera, elevating light itself to the role of performer. Abulafia has designed lighting for more than 250 installations, concerts, and television shows. He has collaborated with dance companies and opera houses worldwide, including Dutch National Ballet, Nederlands Dans Theater, Spain’s Compañía Nacional de Danza, Deutsche Oper, The Royal Opera House, and Shanghai Dance Theatre.

In 2015, Abulafia published his award-winning book The Art of Light on Stage, and he is currently working on his next volume: Illuminating Mind and Stage – Cognitive Neuroscience Encounters Lighting Design (both published by Routledge). He holds both a PhD in Performance and Theatre Studies and a master’s degree in Scenography.

Abulafia has received several awards, including the World Stage Design 2022 Award in the category “Best Performance Design” and the CEZ Prize from Philips for lighting design. In 2025, he was also nominated for the Spanish Talía Award.

Last update: 2 September 2025