Talented Simon King is flying solo after working at the State Theatre in Pretoria for 28 years. He recently took a seat behind the grandMA2 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 Simon. “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.”
Simon King
Simon programmed the lighting on a grandMA2, 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.”
The crew from Joburg Theatre were brilliant and very helpful. Simon also made use of the venue’s in-house Robin 800s and MMX Spots. “The Robin 800s were used to dress the set, as side lights and for little effects. They were very busy,” he said. “The MMX spots were used for soft gobo lighting and set and dancer specials.”
As Simon 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.
While he has built a long theatre contact list over the years, all work that comes his way will be very welcome. To contact Simon King, please e-mail him at [email protected].
Photos by: Lauge Sorensen
