Case Study: Reshaping Reality on the Salzburg Stage — The Artistry of SOX Lighting Design

Author: Stefan Ebner

Location: Salzburg, Austria

Application: Theatrical Stage & Lighting Design

In today’s theater environment, where LED lighting dominates the scene, a "vintage" light source—the Low-Pressure Sodium (LPS/SOX) lamp—is finding new life on the artistic stages of Salzburg. We had the pleasure of partnering with Stefan Ebner, Technical Director at Odeion Salzburg, to explore how he integrates this unique, monochromatic light into professional theatrical productions using Glow Object electronic ballasts.

SOX low-pressure sodium lamp integrated into professional stage lighting design to create high-contrast monochromatic amber theatrical effects.

Visual Magic: The Theatrical Power of Low-Pressure Sodium

Stefan Ebner recently worked on the production of Wolfgang Borchert’s classic play Draußen vor der Tür (The Man Outside) at ARGE Kultur Salzburg. Serving as the lighting engineer for this project, Stefan utilized the sodium lamp’s distinct characteristics to heighten the play's narrative tension.

Three actors in dark military-style uniforms perform under monochromatic amber Low-Pressure Sodium (SOX) lighting on stage in the play Draussen vor der Tur.

Reflecting on the visual impact of this specific light, Stefan shared:

“It is a strange and interesting effect when suddenly all the colors disappear. The reaction from the audience is usually quite calm, but the effect is still very easy to recognize. And somehow, it makes the audience question their perception of reality.”

A large moon projection on a wall in a dark stage setup, illuminated by contrasting blue atmospheric light and warm low-pressure sodium amber lighting on the floor.

For younger audience members who have grown up with modern LED technology, this experience is particularly striking. Stefan adds, “Some of the younger members of the audience have never experienced this very particular kind of vintage light before. They are often quite astonished by it.”

Where Technical Expertise Meets Artistic Vision

As the Technical Director at Odeion Salzburg, Stefan not only uses this light effect in performances but also conducts his own professional lighting research on-site. This deep dive into lighting technology has allowed him to master the SOX light source via electronic ballasts, creating atmospheric layers that traditional stage lighting simply cannot replicate.

A compact low-pressure sodium SOX lamp placed on a dark wooden floor, emitting a vibrant monochromatic red-orange warm light.

You can explore the background of Stefan’s work through these links:

  • View Performance Case Study: Draußen vor der Tür – ARGE Kultur Salzburg
  • Explore the Research Base: Odeion Salzburg

Closing Thoughts

At Glow Object, we are committed to providing lighting drive solutions for artists like Stefan who push the boundaries of visual expression. If you are looking to bring a unique narrative language to your stage design, we invite you to explore our SOX product line and electronic ballasts to start your own creative journey.

Warm low-pressure sodium light casting a wide amber beam across a dark theater stage floor towards auditorium seating at Odeion Salzburg.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why use Low-Pressure Sodium lighting in theatrical stage design?

Low-Pressure Sodium lighting creates a distinctive monochromatic effect in which visible colors appear to disappear. This gives lighting designers a visual language that conventional full-spectrum stage lighting cannot replicate.

What visual effect did the SOX lighting create in this production?

In Draußen vor der Tür, the SOX light removed familiar color cues and made the audience question its perception of reality, reinforcing the production’s narrative tension.

How did younger audience members respond to the lighting?

According to Stefan Ebner, younger audience members who had never experienced this kind of vintage light were often astonished by its unusual monochromatic appearance.

Where can SOX lighting be used in the performing arts?

SOX lighting can be used in theatrical productions, experimental performances, stage installations, art spaces, film sets, and other applications that benefit from a dramatic monochromatic amber environment.

What is the role of an electronic ballast in a SOX stage-lighting setup?

An electronic ballast provides the electrical drive needed to operate the SOX lamp, allowing the light source to be integrated into a professional production setup.

Can SOX lighting be combined with modern stage lighting?

Yes. A lighting designer can use SOX as a distinct visual layer alongside modern fixtures, creating a deliberate transition between full-color illumination and a monochromatic scene.

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About This Case Study

This case study features Stefan Ebner, Technical Director at Odeion Salzburg, and his use of Low-Pressure Sodium lighting with Glow Object electronic ballasts in professional theatrical production.

Last Updated: September 2026

This article is part of the Low Pressure Sodium (LPS) Lighting Knowledge Hub, a technical resource covering the physics, engineering, efficiency, environmental impact, and specialized applications of Low Pressure Sodium (SOX) lighting systems.