The work included the design and installation of a counterweight assist flying system, able to switch between powered and manual flying. With the initial phase of the project due to be delivered in November 2003 the project management and design teams pulled out all the stops to achieve the deadlines. Jim Roberts, Stage Technologies' project manager commented: "We were on site for several months at a time often working overnight to accommodate the performances and rehearsals taking place in what is a very busy theatre."
Although the system uses Stage Technologies' standard Maxis ID control architecture the specification called for the ability to switch between automatic and manual flying of the bar without losing the winch position relative to the bar and for a load monitoring system which enables the operator to accurately and continuously monitor the out of balance load both on the bar and the cradle. These requirements needed significant and time-consuming design and mechanical development in the early stages of the project. Mark Taylor, technical director for the Leisure & Cultural Services Department who operate all government performing arts venues commented: "The commitment of Stage Technologies to involve themselves wholeheartedly in designing a system to meet our very particular operation needs and their flexibility during installation was impressive enough, but the quality of the equipment and installation work is incredible!"
The project was carried out on behalf of the Hong Kong Leisure and Cultural Services Department in collaboration with their consultants, Theatre Projects Consultants, with whom Stage Technologies had previously worked on the flying system at the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester. Following the handover of the system Alan Russell from Theatre Projects Consultants commented: "We were particularly pleased that Stage Technologies were able to work successfully around the theatre's demanding and changing programme and keep a smile on their faces night and day despite the conditions of high temperature and humidity!"
(Lee Baldock)
