Multiverse also uses infrared technology; an infrared camera follows the movements of the dancers and an interactive computerised system responds to the data collected. This enables sound, video, and lighting to respond live to the actions of the dancer.
"So wherever a performer moves, you can drop out the background information so the projected light only goes where the performer goes," explained lighting designer Damien Cooper. "It's like the perfect followspot."
Traditional tungsten stage lighting tends to disrupt the infrared signals and so Damien turned to LED lighting including twenty-four of the ETC Source 4 LED Lustr+ profiles, and 10 Vari-lite VLX LED washes. The rig is kept fairly simple as ADT sets ups on the day of the performance whilst on tour.
"We try to make the rigs as easy to tour as possible which usually means not using any of the venue's gear," said Damien. "You can get this rig up in ninety minutes. There are six booms preloaded with four ETC Source 4 LED Lustr+ profiles per boom."
Damien noted that on all 3D shows he has seen, the lighting tends to make the cast stand out from the 3D show and so he was keen to ensure that the performers looked like they were truly immersed in the 3D show.
"I needed an LED lamp that could cut off the floor and the ETC Source 4 LED Lustr+ profile has a shutter system to enable this," commented Damien. "I found that they change colour really well, in fact they have some extraordinary colours and they are bright. Initially I was concerned with their brightness because the 3D glasses worn by the audience cut output by 30% so I put four fixtures on each boom thinking it was best to overdo it. However, we ended up running the lamps at between 20%-40% for most of the show! I was really impressed by their brightness and would have no hesitation using them on a larger stage."
Damien was equally impressed with the Vari-lite VLX LED wash which offers stunning colours and intensity, multi-year source life and high reliability and low energy consumption.
(Jim Evans)
