17 August 2012
Photo courtesy Mariola Biela Many thanks to the Joburg Theatre for the beautiful show photos Le Grand Cirque de Adrenaline thrilled a South African audience with breathtaking performances at the Joburg Theatre. While the show pushed acrobatics to the limit, the technical was amazing too. Much of the gear, including twelve brand new ClayPaky Alpha Profile 1500s, was supplied by MGG Productions.
Mark Gaylard from MGG really gets a kick out of bringing something new into the country, and he was not disappointed when he opted for the Alpha 1500s, one of the most powerful spot and wash lights available. The fixture offers an extremely rich range of functions with infinite colour choices, limitless control of beam size and shape, and unmatched speed.
“The Alphas were just amazing,” commented Renaldo van den Berg from MGG. Renaldo and Kevin Rieck were part of the MGG team who helped set up for the show. Renaldo also assisted with the programming of a DVD shoot.
Photo courtesy Mariola Biela Three new Prolyte Circle trusses were purchased for the show and MGG’s faithful Robe fixtures, 24x Robe 700 ColorSpots, 16 x Robe 700 ColorWashes and 26 Robe 600 LED Washes, 19 Robe LEDForce 18 and 5 MMX Spots formed part of the equipment list, along with 12 MAC 700 Spots, 1- 8 Way Molfey, 6 x Philips Selecon PL TR2 RGB Striplights, 2 x Reel FX DF 50 and 4 UV Boosters. The show and the DVD shoot was programmed on a grandMA2 and a grandMA 1 ultra-light.
“What I found interesting was that they used the entire stage floor right to the back (upstage) which resulted in a very large performing area without using a set,” said Renaldo. “Obviously they needed the space for the motorcycle act and some of the aerial acts.”
The three circles were hung in a semi vertical position right at the back of this area with Robe 600 LED Wash lights rigged on them. With the large open space, the structures worked out brilliantly for a background and eye-catching effect. This was enhanced with LEDForce 7s used to tone the circle trusses.
“This was also the first time I saw the ClayPaky Alpha Profiles in action and they just blew me away,” added Renaldo. “Two things that really amazed me was the optics of this fixture, the zoom especially on the profiles is something special, and of course their brightness.”
The gig included the MDG touring Ice Fog Q Low pressure machine. “The created a spectacular effect and was used very effectively. “
Photo courtesy Mariola Biela The LD kept the design very simple with a couple of really funky ideas mixed in there. “The actual programming of the show was well executed and looked great,” said Renaldo. “As for the actual performance, there were a couple of times when I thought someone was going to die on stage!” 
Photo courtesy Mariola Biela Renaldo was involved with the shoot of the Japan DVD preview, and assisted the international LD with programming. “Here I had opportunity to work with our new Robe 100 Beams. They were fantastic, and the international team were also very pleased with their performance. The output one gets with these little units is amazing.”
For Renaldo and the entire MGG team, it was a pleasure and privilege to work with the really great international production team.
Below, images from the DVD preview shoot. Many thanks MGG! 
