The newly built and inaugurated Atlas Theatre in Emmen, Netherlands is a
multifunctional performance space in the heart of the city and part of a 250 million
euro development.
In addition to the two Atlas auditoriums – with capacities of 822 and 300 – the
complex also includes a full convention centre, catering outlets, offices and is an
access point for the Wildlands Adventure Zoo and Robe moving lights.
The plan to replace the old De Muzeval theatre in the city took around 40 years to
come to fruition for a complexity of reasons. Construction commenced in 2014 and
was completed by 2016. With its spectacular, modern architectural style, the state-of-
the-art facility opened in autumn of last year.
The technical specifications were completed by acclaimed Amsterdam-based theatre
consultants Theateradvies, with the bid to supply lighting won by Controllux.
Twenty-four moving lights were specified for the space, for which Controllux proposed
12 x Robe DL7S Profiles and 12 x BMFL Spots as the most practical and flexible
premium-brand options for the theatre. The project was managed for them by Kuno
van Velzen.
The construction company completing the build is also responsible for the building’s
maintenance for the next 20 years, so reliability was key to choosing kit.
The technical team, led by Koos Maris together with Nick Unij and Jan Honouwer were
delighted with the choice of Robes.
The original plan was to have 24 x BMFLs, but they had not seen the DL7S Profile at
that point as it had not yet been launched. However, when they did – at PLASA 2015 –
they decided to test them thoroughly and were pleased with the results. They were
then able to tweak the spec so 12 could be included Nick and Jan explained.
Specially designed for theatre and television applications, low noise was a feature that
made the DL7S an attractive choice, especially for classical events where you can hear
a pin drop and musicians have super-sensitive ears.
Quietness, together with the excellent colours and the framing shutters, handy for
anything from a conference to a live art performance, together with the LED
lightsource being sensible from a longevity aspect all helped. “It is an adaptable
fixture that consumes very little power,’ says Nick, adding that they also find the
colour temperature correction very useful.
They both love the BMFLs for the brightness, colours, smooth and even output, and
striking gobos, as well as the fact that it can double as a wash fixture.
The BMFLs and DL7Ss have already been used extensively on a wide variety of
events, and they are a “great combination’ confirms Nick.
The Atlas Theatre is a busy receiving house for theatre shows and tours and also
hosts numerous major conferences, amateur and community productions as well as
an annual singing contest which is televised locally. The facility is in use almost every
day of the year.
The new Robes are the envy of many of the guest crews, and right now the Atlas
Theatre is one of the best equipped in the Netherlands. They also have cutting edge
audio, video and rigging kit and facilities making them self-sufficient in all the
production elements.
The technical team provide a full lighting service to any show that does not have its
own LDs or technicians, which accounts for around 20% of the incoming work. They
work closely with the 80% which do have their own touring crew, who will also
generally be using the house equipment including the moving lights.
The Atlas is a stellar improvement technically on the old theatre which had a low
ceiling, no flying facilities and seriously restricted creativity. Now they can offer clients
and visiting artists and companies the very best.
The old house did have some older Robe fixtures – ColorWash 250s – which were
purchased second hand six years ago and are still going strong and in “very good
shape’.
Jan, who has worked at the Emmen theatre for 25 years, can remember even further
back, when they had fixtures badged as other brands, which were made by Robe,
back in the days they were an OEM manufacturer.
“Their units were always exceptionally well made, and it is great to see the way things
have developed, the growth and the commitment to quality continuing. As a brand,
Robe is always innovating – there is never a still moment,’ he stated.
They are also seeing increasing amounts of Robe coming in with visiting productions
on their touring packages, and especially in the last couple of years with leading
rental companies like Ampco Flashlight and Rent-All making large investments in the
brand.
