La Traviata staged at Joburg Theatre with grandMA2

Simon King is flying solo after working at the State Theatre in Pretoria for 28 years. He recently took a seat behind a grandMA2 full-size to light La Traviata, a stirring love story brought to The Joburg Theatre by the Joburg Ballet, and complimented with the music of Giuseppe Verdi.

“The ballet is by Veronica Paeper, a renowned South African choreographer from Cape Town, and Peter Cazalet, the set designer,” said King. “They have specific looks so when I create something they will say ‘yes or no’, or perhaps ask me to tinker. These are classic productions but I’m also given the liberty to play. Having worked with the ballet company since 1993, it’s like working with old friends.”

King programmed the lighting on a grandMA2 full-size, what he describes as his happy desk. “It always works for me –it’s like my other limb and I’m very comfortable on it. It never gives me problems, is easy, fast and never crashes.”

As King embarks on his new journey as a lighting freelancer, he is enjoying the sense of freedom to be able to work with artists and designers and to experience different venues and theatres. He has a few lighting projects in the pipeline including Art of Motion, the pantomime at Emperor’s and a gospel event taking place in Pretoria.

DWR Distribution CC is MA Lighting’s exclusive distributor in South Africa.

Photo: © Lauge Sorensen

Used Equipment:

<link http: www.malighting.com en goto external-link-new-window external link in new>1 x grandMA2 full-size