The Australian Ballet's Prism: A Revolutionary Dance Experience
Unveiling the Magic of Remote Followspot Technology
The Australian Ballet's recent season at Melbourne's Regent Theatre opened with a bang, presenting Prism, a captivating triple bill of contemporary dance. But here's where it gets intriguing: Prism dared to challenge tradition by employing remote followspot technology, a bold move that sparked curiosity and controversy.
The Power of Macula
Instead of the usual manual followspots, Prism utilized three Macula Remote Followspot systems, a cutting-edge innovation. Imagine, instead of operators physically steering lamps, three NDI cameras were mounted on moving-head fixtures, offering a real-time view of the stage to the operators. The control data, transmitted via sACN, ensured seamless coordination between the lighting console and the fixtures, all without the need for additional DMX ports.
Macula's Dual Modes: Direct and Integrated
Macula systems offer two operational modes. In direct mode, operators have full control over all fixture parameters, a powerful tool. However, for Prism, integrated mode was chosen, allowing operators to control pan and tilt while the lighting console managed other aspects like color. This unique setup required careful precedence assignment, ensuring a harmonious blend of operator and console control.
The Design Decision: Remote Spots vs. Traditional Angles
The decision to use remote spots was a deliberate design choice. Traditionally, followspots are positioned high above the rear balcony, offering a specific lighting angle. By rigging the remote spots closer to the orchestra truss, Prism achieved a steeper lighting angle, a creative twist that enhanced the visual impact, especially in Forsythe's 'Facades' movement, where a pas de deux was backlit in silhouette.
A Trial and Error Journey: Oscar's Macula Experiment
In the ballet's 2024 season of Oscar, a similar attempt was made, pairing the Macula system with a larger moving-head. While the bright output was impressive, the slower responsiveness led to a noticeable lag. This experiment, though ambitious, ultimately resulted in a return to traditional spots, a reminder that technology, while powerful, must align with artistic vision.
The Australian Ballet's Quest for Excellence
The Australian Ballet's technical team approached this season with a keen desire to learn and succeed. They conducted thorough trials, comparing different remote spot systems and moving heads. The Macula system emerged as the winner, not just for its responsiveness but also for its ergonomic design. The team further refined their setup, selecting the MAC Viper XIP for its precision and ease of use.
Operator Experience: A Focus on Ergonomics
Each operator system was tailored for comfort, featuring adjustable screens and handlebars. The handlebars offered customizable faders, allowing operators to control intensity and iris with ease. Additionally, preset buttons provided quick access to programmed positions, ensuring precise lighting cues. The infrared camera, a standout feature, offered visibility during blackouts, a crucial asset for operators.
The Operator's Perspective: A New Way of Working
Operators embraced Macula, especially for its ergonomic benefits. The adjustable screens and handlebars ensured comfort, preventing neck and shoulder strain. The flexibility to adjust tracking speed further enhanced the experience. However, the lack of direct stage view posed a challenge, requiring operators to rely on percentage values and board op assistance to judge lighting levels accurately.
The Future of Followspotting: A Blend of Tradition and Innovation
While remote followspotting may not entirely replace the traditional dome setup, Prism demonstrated the potential of this technology. It offered a unique perspective, showcasing the possibilities of center-stage innovation. As we reflect on this groundbreaking season, we're left with a thought-provoking question: Can remote followspotting revolutionize the ballet world, or will it always remain a complementary tool? We invite you to share your thoughts and join the discussion in the comments below!
