MA dot2 takes up residency in Durban boarding school
Published: MEA
SOUTH AFRICA: A dot2 core console from MA Lighting has been installed into the theatre of Hilton College, one of South Africa’s most exclusive boarding schools. Reportedly chosen for its user friendly operation, the desk was supplied by the manufacturer’s South African distributor DWR Distribution CC.
Located in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands hills, north of Durban, Hilton College boasts its own wildlife reserve, while its 471-seat performing arts venue is modelled on Durban’s own Elizabeth Sneddon theatre. Technical expectations run high within the space, which typically hosts four to five major productions throughout the year, is utilised by the school’s drama, music and art departments, and accommodates touring productions such as the annual Think Theatre Shakespearian production on the KZN national curriculum.
Crucially, the theatre is also the main venue for the acclaimed annual Hilton Arts Festival, which takes place in and around the school’s grounds over three days in September. The event typically draws approximately 11,000 attendees, and most recently offered theatre manager Sheryl Hodkin her first experience of using a dot2 console.
‘I saw first-hand just how user friendly it was with the various different techs using it during the Festival,’ she explained. A recommendation followed from well-known theatre lighting designer Michael Broderick, who was producing his One Man One Light show at the festival. With the console now in place, it is being used daily, controlling up to 72 channels of dimming, including some static LED fixtures.