Theatre Muzyczny Gdynia invests in Robe FORTES
Theatre Muzyczny (Musical Theatre) – in the attractive seaside city of Gdynia on Poland’s north coast – is the largest musical theatre in Poland with three stages able to accommodate over 1580 people. Also known for its world-class performances and high production values, the venue has recently invested in 43 x Robe FORTE moving lights, which are rigged in its 1,070-capacity main stage venue.
These were supplied by Robe’s Polish distributor, Prolight, who won a competitive tender to supply the new tech.
Bartosz Wolak has worked at the Theatre for the last 11 years as chief LX and head of lighting, a multiplexing role that also encompasses designing and operating the lights for their own productions. He and his lighting team of eight were instrumental in choosing Robe for this major technical upgrade that ensures Theatre Muzyczny will continue presenting the very best- looking shows, including licenced productions from London’s West End.
The FORTES replace the previous moving lights – from another brand – which were installed in another major modernisation in 2013 which included the addition of the new Nova Theatre space plus some structural changes to the main auditorium.
Bartosz and his team wanted FORTES for several reasons, including “the power, the beautiful colours and the stunning effects,” and with 43 in the rig, they can be used for both beams and spot lights, so with all that power and versatility on hand, they physically need less fixtures to light a show well. They all love the frost filter and have a 30% frost implemented here, which effectively allows the FORTES to also become an excellent wash light. “This is a really magical transformation,” notes Bartosz. Critically, it allows them to light a wider range of shows – from complex musicals to typical dramas – with ease.
The animation wheel and the fantastic dynamic effects that can be produced using it also made an impression with everyone, and silent mode was important, as low noise is essential for musical theatre environments, especially for the orchestras. The original moving lights had too often made their presence felt in the auditorium!
Show Photos of 2024 production of “Quo Vardis” are © Rzemieslnik Swiatla, courtesy of Teatr Muzyczny Venue and People Photos © Louise Stickland
Comments