Affectionately known as 'The Breytie', the new lights form part of a recent technical upgrade. The lighting elements of this project also included new dimmers all of which was delivered by Johannesburg-based DWR Distribution, Robe's South African distributor.
The re-fit was co-ordinated by the Breytie's technical manager Wandile Mgcodo and DWR's Eazy Moeketsi and Dave Whitehouse.
The Breytie is a practical training ground for TUT's Performing Arts & Technology students, and a showcase for the technical and creative skills and services that they can provide to the industry.
This involves a stream of dynamic productions year-round, including musicals, dance, drama and opera productions, together with live music shows presented by other departments of the University and its Alumni. The venue is also a receiving house for external productions, as well as being at the hub of a series of community programmes and initiatives.
For some time, the Breytie has had some Robe ColorSpot 250s in its lighting rig. From using these - still going strong after several years' active service - and Wandile's previous experience at the SA State Theatre in Pretoria which has also invested in Robe moving lights, he already knew it was a well-made, quality, reliable brand.
However, it was only when they actually had their three LEDWash 600s delivered and in situ at the Breytie that he really began to be realize their full potential as creative lighting tools.
"I'm impressed with the nice even zooming, the smooth dimming curve ... and the fantastic colour options are phenomenal, he states.
It is making everyone on the lighting team's lives infinitely easier now having colour changing wash lights. It means that can use just one fixture for the same effects when previously they would have had to rig a dozen! Being moving lights, the LEDWash 600s are also far quicker for focusing sessions, so rigging and technical time can be more efficiently optimized.
Additionally, they also save substantially on the costs of consumables like gels and gobos, obviously there are no lamp replacements required ... and of course, the LED technology means they also save on power consumption!
The installation of the new Robes was completed by Eazy Moeketsi and former TUT student Setshaba Moumakwe, who is a new member of the DWR team - in a nice start to his time with the company.
(Jim Evans)
