Soweto Theatre’s Lebugang Andrew Mnisi (Technical Manager) with Nkululeko Mazibuko (Lighting Technician)
The Soweto Theatre has become a river that has quenched the thirst of art devotees in the busy community of Jabulani in Soweto, near Johannesburg. Staging ongoing productions ranging from poetry to choirs, and beauty pageants to music festivals, the theatre has nurtured both professional and emerging talent.
More recently, the Soweto Theatre took delivery of 20 Robe Robin LEDBeam 150s supplied by DWR Distribution. DWR were honoured to be one of the initial equipment suppliers to the theatre when she opened her doors on 25 May 2012.
“Initially we considered the Robin LEDBeam 100s as part of our venue upgrade,” explained Lebugang Mnisi, Technical Manager. “Having chatted to Kevin Stannett of DWR, he advised us that the 150s would be a better match.”
According to Kevin Stannett, the Robin LEDBeam 150 is small fixture with a massive zoom range and sweeping beams. Lightweight and compact, it will be useable across all three of the theatre’s venues from the smallest to the largest.
To test their functionality and ability, the units went straight onto DVD recordings for gospel artists including Bishop Ledwaba Live DVD Recording, Joyful in his Presence, Thompho Ephraim Mutika and Hophethehile.
“It is said dynamite comes in a small package, and in this case, this is undoubtedly true,” said Nkululeko Mazibuko, a lighting technician at the theatre since 2012. “The lights may look small but they possess so much power and accuracy. They are easy to setup, easy to use, very light and portable, with sharp clean beams and crisp colour from open white to other colours.” He adds that the Robe product range, offering user friendly technology in a demanding environment, has turned his job at the theatre into a labour of love.
“The recent investment by Soweto Theatre, which falls under the Joburg City Theatres umbrella, adds to its inventory some of the best fixtures from Robe in regards to their beam work range. The LEDBeam 150s are adding value to productions at the theatre and giving life to a well populated rig of 42 moving heads from Robe,” said Nkululeko. The crisp beam work is undoubtedly the best in the range particularly since it comes from an LED source. This is a remarkable product!”
The theatre has enjoyed a busy calender, from the Abantu Book Festival, I love Soweto Festive Night Market, the Soweto Junior Junior Orchestra End of Year Showcase, Nutcracker a Ballet presented by the Maison Dela Dance ballet production, and the end of year party Soweto Countdown. Patrons can look forward to Sophiatown, Poetic Thursdays and a long list of others. For more information, visit https://www.sowetotheatre.com
