Prosound's Marketing Manager, Dominique Vermeulen, who attended the Preview evening comments: "An original homegrown musical is always a significant theatrical milestone, and this uber-talented cast and flawless technical and staging production, left me completely immersed in this remarkable story."
Mark and David's association goes back many years, as too does Prosound's partnership with Eastern Acoustics of Cape Town, who provided and installed the sound equipment. The Fugard Theatre is a special place for Prosound and it is noteworthy that this season begins in South Africa's Heritage week, emphasising Prosound's continuous commitment to South African art and culture through initiatives that bring their product offering and application skills into play.
Orpheus In Africa is the true story of Orpheus MacAdoo an African American Impresario who toured South Africa and the world in the late 1800's. With the historical context of the production in mind Mark felt that the sound design called for a 'natural sound' for the vocal performances and opted for a concealed PA within the set.
In order to maintain the sense of authenticity in terms of the audio, Mark worked closely with set designer, Saul Radomsky, to achieve a more intrinsic live choral experience for the audience.
The compact Meyer loudspeakers used for the show were hidden within the set and in the 320-seater audience galleries, which pose an acoustic challenge for any sound design in its various levels and seating depth.
Meyer MM-4s were used as front fills while the gallery sides were covered by Meyer UPJs, with the upper gallery having M1D subs. M1s were also utilised front stage, with one other bringing the band audio to the actors. Two CQ-1Ps managed the wider area of the audience rigged from above centre of the auditorium.
The 16-member cast were discreetly mic'd with DPA4061s hidden in the hairline and the band used DPA4099s and 4061s instrument microphones.
Orpheus In Africa continues its run at the Fugard Theatre until 10 January 2016.
