The Oasis English Press spoke with the coordinator of the Department of Lights, Effy Oommen John, to understand the department’s role in Oasis.

The Department of Lights comes under the umbrella of Stage Controls, which consists of Lights, Sounds, and Backstage. The department’s work is focused on supporting and facilitating events—such as dance performances, stage plays, and professional shows—which are conducted in the Main Auditorium. Their role is not limited to the three fests—they are also in charge of providing stage directions and lighting for all events throughout the semester.

During Oasis, one of their priorities is to handle the Inauguration, for which they provide lighting and all other technical direction required. Lights also assists in other events like ‘Razzmatazz’, and the plays directed by the Hindi Drama Club. Effy mentioned that the department holds multiple rehearsals to ensure that the lights, equipment, and software work perfectly for the smooth functioning of the fest.

For Oasis, Lights was working with a tight timeline, and had to make do with outdated equipment. Effy explained that they had been trying to procure new equipment along with updating certain existing systems. Although they have been requesting these changes for a while, their demands have not yet been met. When asked about the origin of Lights, Effy explained that the department was formed as a result of the split of the Department of Stage Controls. He credited Bahadurji, a former head of the Audio-Visual Lab, with the inception of the department. Bahadurji had taught a few students to handle the lighting equipment, which led to the formation of Lights.

As the interview came to a close, Effy urged all BITSians to ‘live life a little more,’ and explore the fest to its fullest rather than confining themselves to their rooms.