ALGIERS, Algieria — To mark 50 years since its independence from France, Algeria commissioned a music and dance spectacular to tour the country. An audio rig centering on Outline components supported the production, which was written, composed and choreographed by the Caracalla Dance Theatre of Lebanon.
More details from Outline (www.outline.it):
To celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of its independence this year, Algeria commissioned a special large musical production to tour the country. The important show, attended on opening night by President Abdelaziz Bouteflika and the entire government, was produced by the Algerian Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of the Mujahidin, written, composed and choreographed by Lebanon’s internationally renowned Caracalla Dance Theatre and featured a cast of 300 performers (dancers, singers and actors).
As the spectacle was to be staged in widely varied venues over five weeks, it was decided to purchase an audio rig able to handle the technical challenges involved in all the locations, which included a dome-shaped structure for rehearsals, an outdoor amphitheater and a huge stadium, with the last show being held in a site of ancient Roman ruins.
CDT’s director Ivan Caracalla (son of the group’s founder Abdel-Halim) explains that it was not a difficult task to convince the Ministry of Culture that Outline was able supply exactly what was required, “When they saw the company’s track record, high profile applications by top international rental companies and the adaptability ensured by its wide range of systems, they were convinced.”
The final choice was Outline GTO as the main system and for side fills purposes (the fifty foot wide stage floor had to be totally monitor-free) and Butterfly enclosures for the surround system.
After the tour, Caracalla was enthusiastic with the results, “We were very happy with the GTO and the products from Outline on this huge prestigious event, which also offered local technicians, under the watchful eye of veteran sound engineer and technical audio Carlo Gennaro, the possibility of discovering the GTO and the various possibilities Outline systems offer – this will stand them in good stead for the numerous events staged by the Ministry of Culture’s technical department every year. In fact, after getting to know the systems, they are now hoping to add to their stock of equipment.”
Outline CEO Giorgio Biffi also expressed his satisfaction, “We were involved in the production almost from the outset, I was there and saw the passion of all those involved in the large production and the importance for the country’s politicians that it was a success. Performing arts and culture break down barriers and bring people together, so the right system was of fundamental importance for such a key event!”
