Damir Ismagilow, lighting designer for the Bolshoi Theatre, said: "I specified DHA DLCs after seeing them in use in New York - I really liked the many varied effects that can be achieved with them. DHA has a very strong reputation as a company and its equipment is consistently reliable. The DLC provides a unique combination of features for the lighting designer - it's a multifunctional and flexible product. There is nothing quite like it in Russia."
This project is representative of the progression towards the use of new technology in Russia. The latest equipment in theatrical applications will bring greater creative freedom, offering the lighting designer increased possibilities for developing new and exciting lighting effects and more options. "I plan to make the most of having this technology at my fingertips," continued Ismagilow. "I have never used DLCs before so it will be very interesting for me to be able to experiment with them. I think that the DLC has a bright future in Russia - watch this space!"
The arrival of up-to-the-minute technologies in Russia has meant that the role of the lighting design has evolved, although it is still relatively new - only over the last 10 years has it come to be recognised as a legitimate part of the production process. "Lighting design still has a way to go in theatre," explained Ismagilow. "In another 10 years or so I think that it will be central to the production process in Russia".
A symbol of the city's earlier opulence, Moscow's Bolshoi Theatre has played host to many well-known musicians, dancers and actors. More recently the venue has been plagued by decay as its foundations have crumbled into the marshy ground on which it is built and in 1987 a survey found that the deterioration of the venue was so extreme that an urgent and thorough renovation was required. However, lack of funding has meant that plans to rescue the 226-year-old theatre were delayed.
With funding now available the much-needed refurbishment of the Bolshoi Theatre has begun. Completion is expected in 2005/06, when approximately a third of the Theatre will have been demolished and rebuilt. During this period of renovation the venue will be closed as necessary and Bolshoi productions will continue next door, in a new purpose-built 1000 seat subsidiary theatre.
Leading the installation of the lighting equipment in the subsidiary theatre was Svetlost Teatar, which bought the 35 DHA DLCs and, to ensure the smooth running of the project, was supported by DHA's Germany-based regional sales manager, Rainer Weggen.
(Lee Baldock)
