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Cape Town's Baxter Theatre Centre purchases a grandMA2
The Baxter Theatre Centre in Cape Town is the first in South Africa to purchase a grandMA2 ultra-light, but while they await delivery, a grandMA full-size has been set to work on the phenomenally successful production of "The Tempest", which has been playing to packed houses and has received standing ovations from the start.
"The Tempest was a very large and important project for us, and changing to a new lighting console as we moved onto stage was cause for trepidation," commented production manager Patrick Curtis from the Baxter. "The grandMA, under the capable fingers of Nick Britz from DWR Distribution, responsible for MA Lighting in South Africa, performed faultlessly, and we have had a smooth run ever since."
It was time for the Baxter Theatre to upgrade their Strand 300 Series. Curtis reported: "We had a long relationship with Strand, but it was time to look around especially to other desks that are being purchased for theatre applications. The grandMA2 seemed to fits best and to fulfil our needs, and we knew we would get good backup from DWR."
Lighting designer Mannie Manim has been constantly surprised at how much feedback information is available from the grandMA, and he admires its quick versatility. "After the laborious 300, moving lights and scrollers were a breeze on the grandMA," noted Manim. "We have felt extremely well looked after by DWR, especially by Dan and Nick. Our relationship with Dan stretches back some 30 years, so it is great to have that sense of continuity."
The Baxter also needed to replace consoles in their Concert Hall. With lighting needs not as demanding, a smaller console was sufficient and they opted for a grandMA pico. "The grandMA pico will form a valuable backup function, although not linked via network," said Curtis. "It also makes sense to have the same make of console especially the same way of operation and syntax in a building where our technicians move from venue to venue."
The Tempest, in association with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), will be moving to the UK, where it is expected to be equally well received. "The entire South African cast, musicians and most of the crew will be moving to a four week season in Stratford-upon-Avon, followed by a six week tour of British cities. Manim will light it in Stratford and the first tour date, where after the RSC will take it over technically."
photo Patrick Curtis
18th March 2009
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