Robe Tetra2s on song for K3 Benelux tour
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Wanting to keep the focus firmly on the performers, a minimalist ‘bare stage’ production concept was developed without video but with a big emphasis on lighting to provide the visual atmospherics including a kinetic essence that flowed throughout the performance with the dance movements.
This was delivered by Opsteyn with a carefully chosen rig that includes 40 x Robe Tetra2 moving LED batten fixtures that play a key role in the lighting design, which, together with a series of smartly designed props and costumes and the tight choreography, help bring the stage alive with colour and energy.
The Tetra2s are arranged in four vertical ‘perspective’ linear rows above the stage and provide a virtual ceiling and a host of architectural looks.
“I did not want to do another straight spot-wash-spot-wash design,” he explained. “Studio 100 shows are well known for having great production values, and everyone wanted something different, fresh and clean on this tour, so I think with this layout and more structural approach was the way to go.”
Opsteyn specifically wanted to create dramatic curtains of light at certain points, and more than capable of this, the Tetra2s “were perfect with their sharpness and zoom – I needed bright fixtures that could zoom down to very small pin-beams of light,” he noted, having been immediately impressed after first seeing them deployed on The Masked Singer and Dancing with The Stars.
The lines of Tetra2s comprise 13,11, nine and seven units respectively with the longest being downstage, and they add some considerable depth to the performance space. They are alternated with lines of 13,11, nine and seven spot moving lights, creating a tunnel-like effect.
The Tetra2s are used as washes, as light curtains and for multiple other effects including the twinkling flowers for power ballad Ushuaia.
Other looks include the striking red, white and blue French flag colours for Frans liedje (French Song), all effects that “we simply could not do with any other fixture” states Opsteyn.
The tour is out until December playing multiple weekend shows mainly in theatres, with some arena gigs, and while the lighting spec changes from time to time depending on what kit is available from main lighting vendor PRG, the Tetra2s are something on which “there’s no compromise.”
The rig also features a lot of zoned LED strobes used more unusually but highly effectively as kinetic effects and wash lighting, all programmed into a grandMA2 console by Opsteyn and PWL colleague, Niels Huybrechts, which is creatively directed by Luc Peumans.
“As always, it’s great to be working with Studio 100’s technical production manager Jan De Goeyse and the wider team that made this show and tour happen as everyone understands the importance of presenting a good show and works to the highest standards of excellence,” concluded Opsteyn.
