The Colosseum in Rome – world famous heritage site and one of Italy’s most
popular tourist attractions – was originally constructed in 70 – 80 AD and is the
largest amphitheatre ever built. This summer it was reopened after three years of
extensive refurbishments – the first in its history.

The momentous occasion involved a high profile gala event. A special classical
programme was played by the Accademia Teatro alla Scala conducted by Zubin
Mehta, and the Colosseum was lit by lighting designer Giancarlo Toscani who
utilized twenty Robe BMFL WashBeams for this unique occasion.

Giancarlo was asked to propose a lighting scheme by the show director, Fulvio
Michelazzi, working for event producers Studio Exhibita for end client Grupo Tod,
one of the co-sponsors of the restoration project along with the Italian government
working in a PPP arrangement.

The brief was to light the iconic structure tastefully, preserving its breath-taking
architectural and historical integrity and also to emphasise a “Made in Italy’ concept,
for which he used the logo and the colours of the Italian flag to highlight “simplicity
and elegance’.

This was the real challenge. He needed a fixture that was super-bright to throw
light long distances across the venue which has a variety of diameters of between
156 and 188 metres due to its elliptical shape and also a source with finesse and
quality.

Using structures or trussing had to be avoided in case of damaging the building, so
the luminaires were diligently positioned around the Colosseum, using available
spaces not accessible to the public like balconies and walls on each ring of the
amphitheatre.

In advance, Giancarlo created a 3D graphical presentation of the proposed lighting
for the client offering a virtual 360 degree view, and illustrating how the original
stonework, standing for many centuries, might look with his carefully considered
application of light.

Producing a dynamic effect on the static stone was an exciting path to follow that
required great imagination. With lights seemingly chasing shadows … and vice
versa, it seemed like the walls of the Colosseum were re-living the history “in a
tide of emotions” he expressed.

Giancarlo frequently uses Robe products in his work which includes concerts,
theatre and TV shows as well as other large scale spectaculars like this at the
Piazza Duomo, Teatro Greco Di Taormina, Biblioteca Nazionale Di Sarajevo, Ruderi
Di Gibellina, Arena Di Verona, and many more locations.

Assistant LD and collaborator Danilo La Rosa helped programme the show. The
event was produced by Studio Exhibita, who oversaw the realization of the entire
project. Under the guidance of supervisor Marco Ramon, project leader Elisa
Brambati and executive producer Caterina Carlini. The BMFLs and other lighting
equipment for the re-opening event were provided by New Light “Milano”.

“There was a fantastic synergy between all the creatives involved in this very
special show,’ observed Giancarlo who was honoured to add another incredible
location to the list of those that have been transformed in atmosphere by his work.