Tanja Rühl

German Tanja Rühl is a freelance lighting designer and lighting supervisor. After completing her theatrical engineering degree at the Frankfurt Opera House with distinction, Rühl joined Ballett Frankfurt, under the artistic direction of William Forsythe, in 2002 as assistant to the lighting supervisor. Three years later she was appointed lighting supervisor herself with the newly founded Forsythe Company. 

In 2006, Rühl completed her master of theatrical engineering, majoring in lighting. Being a member of Forsythe Productions, Rühl acts as a technical and design consultant, collaborating with ballet and dance companies on performances of William Forsythe’s choreographies. Since 2014, Rühl has been working full-time as a freelance lighting designer, collaborating with choreographers, companies, and artists throughout the world.  She is also still working with Forsythe on the lighting designs of his new works and recreations of his existing repertoire. Productions she has created the original design for have been performed internationally at various renowned theatres.

Apart from her work in theatres, Rühl is teaching lighting design and technical theatre workshops at universities in Frankfurt and Dresden.

Last update: 05-09-2024