Féerie was launched to celebrate the new millennium and narrates the Moulin Rouge's fascinating history. With 1,000 costumes, 100 artists, six ponies and five pythons, this new show features circus acts and traditional choreography, as well as cabarets involving the audience. New high-powered intelligent Clay Paky projectors have given these shows an extra touch.
Jean-Jacques Clerico, president of Moulin Rouge, says: "There was a point where we had to face the challenge of technology: the difficult bit was integrating modern and sophisticated lighting systems in a theatre which bases its success on a strong sense of tradition. We did not want to lose its legendary identity and style, or sensationalize its most traditional elements. So I called Christian Bréan, an eclectic and exacting 'guru' in lighting design, famous for his experience in theatrical lighting: it took us a while to think things over and achieve the best possible solution."
Bréan says: "It was so exciting to work in such a historical place . . . but also a tough job to make it live up to its name. You have to work with humility and analyse all the various solutions, considering the cultural heritage of this great theatre. It takes endless work and trials to obtain the most harmonious balance between choreography, set design and lighting."
Bréan's aim was to provide extra value to the show. "The high standard of performance and choreography already speak for themselves, but I was still able to add personal touches to a one-and-a-half-hour act. I used a lot of coloured light - one of the Moulin Rouge's trademarks - as well as special effects to enrich the costumes and certain scenes. I also used 'liquid light' to enhance choreographic scenes full of ballerinas.
"I used Stage Scan and Golden Scan to colour the stage and create lateral beams and special effects, and Mini Scan HP3 for the backlighting", Bréan continues. "These high-tech products offer so many advantages: just a few high-powered intelligent projectors achieve the same chromatic effect as many traditional fixed projectors - this makes things so much more practical. Clay Paky projectors offer a host of solutions that you simply cannot find in traditional lighting products."
It took a while for him to choose the right projector. "After endless trials, I discovered that Clay Paky projectors were the best the market could offer. I needed reliable products that could guarantee maximum safety every day of the year, since the Moulin Rouge never stops. I have to admit that Clay Paky projectors have met all my expectations - they are extremely reliable, durable and safe, and ideal for high quality projection, colour purity and graphic definition."
(Lee Baldock)
