As the finale to its 2011-12 season, the Hong Kong Ballet opened Turandot, a neo-classical ballet inspired by Puccini's internationally-renowned opera at the Grand Theatre Hong Kong Cultural Centre.
Giacomo Puccini (1958 Р1924) was an Italian composer who created some of the world's most celebrated operas, including Madama Butterfly, Tosca and La Boh̬me. When Puccini passed away, his final opera Turandot was left unfinished, but now in the hands of Australian choreographer Natalie Weir, this work of power, lust and revenge has been transformed into a dramatically alluring and riveting ballet. Accompanied by Puccini's original music, audiences are now taken on a captivating journey of intrigue and spectacle.
Behind the scenes, Lighting Designer Mak Kwok-Fai utilized more than 40 Philips Vari-Lite automated luminaires for the show in order to enhance the intense emotions and sensations behind Puccini's music and Weir's passionate choreography. The luminaire rig included the VL3000 Spot, VL3500 Spot, the award-winning VLX Wash and the new VL880 Spot luminaire.
Being the very first designer in the region to use the VL880 Spot, Fai was happy with the result. You get everything you expect from a Philips Vari-Lite luminaire,” said Fai. “You have all the familiar features such as very fast and smooth moment, rich color mixing, crisp and clear patterns, an intense and powerful beam, and smooth fades. The VL880 has given me a totally satisfying experience without any compromises. Plus, the bonus of an additional frost is a particularly good feature when you want to create a gentle touch to highlight anything on stage. The VL880 Spot has definitely inherited the blood from a great family of products, all in a compact body with loads of creative possibilities.”
With this new lighting tool, it was as if a chemical burst during rehearsals and the creative team was surprised and inspired by the visual impact brought by the VL880 Spot. More and more visually striking depictions were created for the opulent sets, dramatic aesthetic and intertwining emotions of the three protagonists which all led to the perfecting of this neo-classical piece.
In Review, Constance Rhodes described The Hong Kong Ballet's Turandot as “A spectacular triumph” and there is no doubt that it will become a magnificent addition to The Hong Kong Ballet's distinguished repertoire. So when asked how the VL880 Spot luminaire might be used in additional productions, or in additional venues, Fai replied, “They are truly an ideal light and there shouldn't be any limitations when designing with this fascinating luminaire.”
As a leading designer and manufacturer of premiere automated lighting systems, Philips Vari-Lite provides equipment and services to the entertainment industry, serving such markets as concert touring, theatre, television, film, cruise lines, houses-of-worship, and corporate events. Philips Vari-Lite automated lighting systems are available through a worldwide network of independent professional dealers. For more information, visit www.vari-lite.com.