Supplied by Johannesburg-based ETC dealer Prosound, the Source Four luminaires provide the workhorses in the main auditorium and almost entirely account for the overhead rigs in the two studio spaces.
"ETC Source Four Fresnels were a late entry into the competition," says Denis Hutchinson, theatre consultant on the project. "ETC flew a unit out to South Africa for me to test and I was very pleasantly surprised. To the eye at least the output is comparable to a 1200W Fresnel and of course you are only running 750W, so from the green perspective it's a better unit. They are very nicely and solidly built and the way in which the lamp is housed is very solid.
"I think they will work very well for this venue; and of course virtually all the luminaires in the studio spaces will use the same lamp. This means the theatre doesn't have to carry stock of lots of different lamps, which is also very useful in terms of ongoing running costs."
Prosound managing director Ian Blair adds, "With the installation of ETC's Source Four lighting range, the Soweto Theatre will stand out as a theatre of international quality, rivalling not just Johannesburg and Cape town, but also London and New York. Over and above the Source Fours themselves, we also supplied the theatre with a large amount of accessories, including barn doors, top hats, irises, gobo holders, boom arms and lens tubes.
"The choice to install the Source Four lighting range will give the theatre's patrons an enhanced visual experience that will match any production in the world today. We've already had some fantastic feedback from both visitors and staff, and are honoured to able to help regenerate the area."
The new Soweto Theatre is made up of two variable configuration studio theatres of 180 and 90 seats, along with a main proscenium auditorium with 420 seats. The schedule is already oversubscribed, with its first months dedicated to youth, comedy and Women's Day events. The venue is also the host for the TV talent show Idols. In the long run, it is set to move from a receiving house to a production house.
For a full report on the new Soweto Theatre, don't miss the July issue of Lighting & Sound International magazine.
(Jim Evans)
