South Africa’s largest performance theatre has been equipped with new Philips Selecon ERS SPX luminaires.
Located in the heart of the country’s presidential capital, Pretoria, the 1,300-seat State Theatre complex comprises six venues, including a main opera venue, a drama venue and two theatre spaces, and receives numerous number one tours from around the world. The performance venue also acts as the high profile national and international visiting theatre, hosting performances from prestigious opera and ballet companies.
Philips Entertainment brand partner DWR Distribution supplied 77 SPX luminaires to local installer Muthiyane Trading. Duncan Riley of DWR commented: “The Philips Selecon’s SPX range delivers more light to the stage for its energy consumption [up to 63% more than current industry benchmarks]. This allows venues to consider energy saving options such as the use of a lower wattage lamp or using SPX at lower dimmer levels [less power].”
“The Pretoria theatre had a lot of older lighting stock that needed replacing,” continues Aubrey Ndaba of Muthiyane Trading. “The SPX luminaires were the right choice because they consume less power and are much brighter than the existing fixtures. They’re also low maintenance so ideal for rigging in those awkward to get to front of house positions. Plus they’re easy to adjust and focus so for us the choice was pretty clear.”
“The South African State Theatre saw the birth of, and was the driving force behind, the establishment of the performing arts in all spheres in South Africa,” comments Graham Eales, general manager for Philips Selecon.
“The Pretoria Theatre plays a leading role in the development of the performing arts, and is a regular host to the colourful variety of entertainment found in the diverse cultures of the country. The fact that this influential international receiving theatre has chosen to specify so many Selecon SPX fixtures is very important to Philips Selecon and the business we do in South Africa and beyond.”
