"Since the equipment arrived, we have received great compliments," said Eduard Biermann, who heads sound and lighting. The fixtures have been used to light the backdrop on stage, and it now jumps out."
The gear was purchased from Nick Barnes from DWR Distribution, Durban. The Stagebars in particular, with the colour changing LED properties and strobe effects, has created eye candy to jazz up shows. DWR's Nick Britz provided training for the grandMA2 Node, giving Biermann a boost of confidence.
He is particular about how things ought to be done, and usually positions profiles (The Barnyard have Philips Selecon Acclaim fixtures) and other lighting units himself. He also ensures that gels, on some of the theatre's older lights, are changed regularly.
The Barnyard Gateway put up a variety of productions during 2013 including 80s vs 90s, Strictly No 1s and We Are The Champions. The great enthusiasm from the performers backed up with a passionate technical team, has seen excellent reviews in various newspapers, bums on seats as and for the audience, the shared enjoyment of an entertaining night out.
After travelling the world and providing technical support on various cruise ships, Eduard Biermannn joined The Barnyard, Gateway two years ago. He initially studied Audio Engineering but his experience on sea saw him exposed to the lighting elements. One thing he learnt was the importance of continuous maintenance and he has put this into practise at The Barnyard.
Biermann works directly for theatre manager Katarzyna Honik and theatre owner Debbie Davidson. "We have a great team," he said. "Debbie and Katarzyna are very strict and like to have things done right. I like that too."
(Jim Evans)
