Bergen National Theatre adds Robe Fortes
- Details
Opened in 1909, Den National Scene was initially built with a single stage, but currently hosts performances in three different spaces, which have just re-started with full capacity public shows post pandemic.
Head of lighting Geir Hovland explained that these latest moving light investments are part of an ongoing process to ensure the theatre is equipped with the best and most appropriate technology to facilitate its busy - and highly acclaimed - repertory schedule.
The positive relationship with Robe - via distributor Norsk Sceneteknikk - began in 2017 when 25 x Robe’s DL7S Profile and 15 x DL7F Wash fixtures were purchased for their overhead rig, with which they were extremely happy.
When the Esprites arrived, the DL7S Profiles were moved to the FOH lighting array, allowing Geir and the team to change-up the previous front lighting fixtures – from another manufacturer. The Esprites have replaced them on the over-stage rig.
The Fortes were then specified as the end-of-pipe (over-stage) fixtures, filling the positions with the longest throws.
“We were delighted with the DL7s,” explained Geir, “so when it came to this update, we naturally looked at Robe as well as other options.”
He and his colleagues like “everything” about the Espritess and in particular the quality of the light output, the silent running and the “excellent” pricing, as well as the colours and the way they work so well with the DL7 colours.
A combination of all these elements made them a winner for Den National Scene. “Overall, I am extremely happy with Robe’s reliability and build quality - they are simply great lights,” he enthused.
Size also mattered in the case of the Esprites, which are compact enough to be a one-person lift, while their light weight was also helpful for maximising the house fly bar system.
With the Esprites in the building, Forte was an appropriate complement for the pipe-end positions. “It’s bright, quiet and like Esprite has all the advantages of the TE - Transferable Engine technology,” says Geir. “For us, TE technology will extend the general lifetime of the luminaire.”
He underscores the importance of a good relationship with the distributor, commenting that Norsk Sceneteknikk’s service is “thorough and very quick with any follow-ups that may be needed”.
