To prepare for the opening of the Xiqu Centre, the WKCD and the Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts are working together on a number of experimental shows being staged at the Academy, where they can test the staging, seating and equipment. ETC LED luminaires feature prominently in the programme, which is being used to shed a new light on the classic operas.
Lighting designer Billy Chan integrates western stage lighting philosophies and techniques into the Cantonese opera performances, successfully melding the modern and the traditional to engage audiences.
Chan has used ETC's Selador Desire LED series many times, and found that thanks to its strong output and superior colour capabilities, the 60-emitter D60 luminaire is perfect for this production. "The x7 colour mixing is very good indeed," he says. "The colour quality really helps reflect what I want to achieve in the performance, and it fades smoothly. It is powerful enough to make the colour stand out, even at the highest intensity."
Chan also pays close attention to the light illuminating the faces on stage, because Chinese opera performers' makeup is so heavy. "We want to make these experimental productions look more dramatic and modern, but I still need to provide bright face lighting to maintain the emotions and colour of the story," explains Chan. To achieve that, he uses the D60 luminaires.
Chan also uses six Source Four LED luminaires outfitted with gobo to light panels at the back of the stage. "The result is excellent," he says. "The fixtures help to easily change the colour of the background." The entire lighting system is controlled by a Gio console.
(Jim Evans)
