The need for a new theatre was established around two decades ago and the Centre has been a long time coming - the result is an elegant new city landmark at the heart of the Performing Arts Precinct in the Perth Cultural Centre. And at the heart of the Centre itself is the deep-toned, gold-and-timber sanctuary of the Heath Ledger Theatre, an inspiring tribute to its namesake and a beautiful space in which to perform.
The $100m Centre opened earlier this year to speeches from the West Australian Governor and Premier, as well as Nyoongar elders and leading Australian actors. In addition to the Heath Ledger Theatre, the Centre also houses a flexible, 230-seat underground studio, a selection of rehearsal rooms and The Courtyard - an al fresco performance space. An advisory panel of around 70 specialists were involved in the design and build of the Centre, resulting in a construction that stacks the theatre and studio, in order to create surrounding space for The Courtyard.
Stage Technologies was contracted by Jands to provide control for the 58-axis power flying system. The solution comprised high-power Maxis SI control cabinets, two portable Nomad desks and one Solo handheld controller all with Chameleon technology, along with a wall-mounted Preset Station.
The first shows to use the new control system took place during the Perth International Arts Festival in February and the theatre's head flyman, Boyd Midgley, was the first to try out the new automation system. "The Nomad has an amazing interface and Chameleon is a great platform for making shows clean cut," he says. "The ability to move multiple bars safely and effectively is a great attribute and the result is a flyman's dream, as the movements are perfect every time. This technology enables our shows to contribute to a really versatile programme within the State Theatre Centre."
(Jim Evans)
