The production strongly embraced a theatrical feel, with carefully selected songs and nostalgic video content stirring emotions. A combination of Philips Vari-Lite and Robe fixtures were used to create clean looks, as LD Joshua Cutts painted in colour.
Starting from the set, designer Michael Gill of MGD proved that less is more. He used curved lines to create an eye-catching yet uncomplicated space which had staircases on either side of the stage going up to a balcony type platform. DWR Distribution's Eazy Moeketsie and Gideon Mdofu installed LED strips onto a 10mm plate which were used to accentuate the contours of the set.
Lighting designer Joshua Cutts from Visual Frontier has lit Skouspel for the past seven years. "I used Gearhouse Splitbeam once again to supply the lighting fixtures and the crew. It's always great working with them because they are helpful and do things properly. I don't even have to be on site to set up. I give them the plan and only have to arrive to start programming," said Cutts. A GrandMA NPU was sub-hired from MGG Productions.
Alistair Kilbee, managing director at Gearhouse Splitbeam said, "Yes, it's the third time we have provided gear to Skouspel, but the first time we have been the sole lighting supplier. It's a pleasure working with Joshua Cutts. He is a professional and knows what he wants and how to achieve it. He likes to push fixtures and desks to the max."
The dramatic feel of Huisgenoot Skouspel 2013 has been one of Cutts' favourites. "It's such a good design," he said. "While the show is an extravaganza, it was very theatrical and I had to set a mood for each act. I'm also falling more in love with the VLs. They are smooth and professional."
The VL 3000 gobos were used to great effect as back light on the performers and patterns on the floor. The VL3500 were used on a centre overhead truss mirroring the stage design and also used to fan out into the audience, while the VLX washes the stage and set with colour in a varied palate. "The visual impact on camera was impressive," said Kilbee.
The gig included 12 x Robe ColorWash 2500E ATs. "I used them as a replacement for a 5k Tungsten Fresnel on FOH truss," said Cutts. "I found it a perfect replacement, though more versatile and dynamic, than using a generic Fresnel. There were also 24x Robe Red Wash 3-192
"To manage the MA2 Network and Media Servers, the expertise of Marcel Wijnberger was called in. "This is the one time I completely get to choose my control system," said Cutts. "That is why I made MA my showcase solution. I have two MA VPUs, MA2 Lite running NPU back stage and they work on MA on PC Wing as back up. "It's where I feel the most comfortable, they all speak the same language and the show runs effortlessly."
(Jim Evans)
