Theatre and performance is right at the heart of Slovenian culture and
entertainment, and Robe has made some serious inroads in this sector thanks to a
good selection of products and the enthusiasm and hard work of its Slovenian
distributor, MK Light Sound, based in the picturesque capital, Ljubljana.
Founded in 1949, Ljubljana City Theatre (Mestno gledališče ljubljansko – MGL – also
known as Ljubljana Municipal Theatre) is the second largest drama theatre in
Slovenia and located right in the centre of the charismatic old town. It has recently
invested in Robe’s LEDWash range with the purchase of four LEDWash 600s and 9 x
LEDWash 800s ready for the new season.
Andrej Koleznik and his colleagues Bostjan Kos, Aljosa Vizlar and Bogdan Pirjevec
make up the four strong lighting department. All were involved, together with
technical director Joze Logar in the collective decision to purchase the new
LEDWashes.
The theatre has three stages – a 340 capacity main stage, a 100 seater small stage
and a studio space accommodating 50 – 60 audience depending on configuration.
There are performances most days of the month across the 10 month season, with
around 14 premieres on their three stages, (6 on the Main Stage, 4 on the Small
Stage and 3-4 in the studio space), mostly their own, with some co-productions,
focusing on modern drama and musicals.
Lighting for any theatre, especially a drama based house has certain specific
requirements – low noise fixtures is one, good colour temperature is another. The
correct “quality’ of light is also crucial for the sculptural oeuvre associated with
many theatre lighting techniques.
The lighting department already had some previous experience of Robe. Their first
Robes were ColorWash 575E ATs dating back around 9 years … and still working
well. Some ColorSpot 700E ATs were added 2 years after the 575Es, followed by
their first three LEDWash 600s which were purchased specifically for one
production.
They also have LEDForce 18 LED PARs and some Anolis ArcLine Optic MC24 LED
strips which are ideal for set practicals and scenic illumination.
Andrej has worked at MGL since 1995 and has seen a trend or two come and go in
that time. “We always listen to what the directors are requesting – or demanding –
in terms of lighting” he observes “as well as considering the best long term options
for us as a theatre and a producing house”.
Like many theatres, before committing to an investment in LED moving lights they
waited until a product of sufficient quality was available. Delighted with the rich and
beautiful light emitted by the LEDWash 600s, when the opportunity came up, they
added to these and also wanted the stronger LEDWash 800s together with the beam
shaping capabilities that are so essential for lighting theatre shows.
The new LEDWashes are currently installed on the main stage fly bars where they
will be the principal back and stage lighting for shows in the upcoming season.
