With 32 different scenes in the high-action, 88-minute, one-act performance, some lasting no more than 10 seconds, and all leaping between disparate locations like bars, libraries, bedrooms and the streets of Chicago, conventional scenery changes were out of the question! Instead, they thought laterally and turned to projection to create the location and ambience for each intense segment of the show.
The projector, fitted with an 18cm lens, is rigged on the front of the circle balcony. E//T//C UK’s Paul Highfield specified the BP2 because of the facility to have the lamp active only when the projection is actually running, with no fan running in the background, and therefore reduced ambient noise. John Dalston had a custom enclosure, lined with acoustic foam, built to contain the noise made by the slide changer mechanics. The slide changer is controlled via DMX from the lighting desk, and the projection is beamed onto a vertically opening/closing screen that covers the front of stage when shut. The concept "works terrifically well" says John Dalston.
The slide artwork - all photographic images of Chicago in the 1970s - was researched, sourced and created by Herbert and printed, mounted and produced as slides by E//T//C UK. Lighting design is by Nigel Edwards and the show is directed by Lindsay Posner.
(Lee Baldock)
