The latest lighting console from British lighting and video control manufacturer
Avolites is currently being used to control the versatile lighting rig on the National
Theatre’s River Stage Festival on London’s South Bank.
A free outdoor event, the River Stage Festival runs each weekend throughout the
month of August. Audiences are invited to see a wide range performances from
award-winning dance and cinema to family workshops, live music and theatre.
“The festival’s varied performance agenda features over 60 live events,” says Huw
Llewellyn, the National Theatre’s Lighting Resources Supervisor and chief lighting
designer for the River Stage. “To meet demand we needed a lighting console that
could deliver an extensive range of lighting control options.”
The Arena console is the latest control surface in the Avolites Titan range, with 40
precision playback faders and two touch screens for on-board programming. For
advanced control, Llewellyn has added a Tiger Touch Fader Wing to his set up,
providing him with a further 30 faders.
“For the festival, we are running the Arena on the latest Avolites Titan v10.1
software,” says Llewellyn. “The software’s updated Key Frames Shape feature is great.
I use it regularly to create quick effects and looks for the River Stage’s wide
performance agenda. If I am ever running out of ideas I use Key Frame Shapes to
tweak a few attributes and change the direction of the effect within the shape
generator – then bang, I have a completely new look. It is a huge time saver.”
Alongside Key Frame Shapes, Llewellyn cites v10.1’s BPM Master as another
workhorse feature in his set up. The feature ensures all chases and their attached
effects remain not only at the same tempo but also in synchronisation with the beat
and each other. Effects, including Key Frame Shapes, can be assigned several beats
per cycle, allowing for more creative control when programming and during live
performances.
“I choose to work with Avolites desks because I work with clients with high
expectations,” says Llewellyn. “This means I need a high-quality control system
capable of delivering the top standard. For me, both Avolites dimmers and desks are
perfect.”
The eclectic agenda includes dance performances from internationally acclaimed
dance company, Rambert, musical acts from East London’s The Glory and Jazz FM’s
break through act of the year Nerija. Alongside the festival’s performance programme,
Summer pop-up’s include the Apothecary Cocktail Bar, the National’s vintage ice
cream and pizza vans and the Garden Bar at the Green Room.
