Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist, Pablo Picasso once advised. Wise words from a creative genius. Kelian Sevrée and the team at Concept K embrace that concept, and they proved its merit in stunning fashion at the 2025 Dystopia festivals, held in two separate locations, Mulhouse and Rennes. At both sites, they departed from the standard practice (another word for “rule!”) that says you must have a massive video wall on a festival’s main stage. Instead, they animated their two main stages, both of which were devoted to hardcore music, with brawny collections of lighting effects, including the CHAUVET Professional Color STRIKE M, as well as some compelling cubic set pieces.
“Unlike what is done in most modern productions, we chose not to include a video screen at the back of the stage,” explained Kelian. “Given the scale of the event, we were able to break away from this standard element, and instead animate the backdrop without video content.”
Speaking of the main stage design, Kelian added: “The main stage is centered around an imposing four-meter cube, with a smaller 2-meter cube in its middle. This inner cube served as the heart of the stage, symbolizing the energy source powering the entire show. The organizer wanted to bring in a concept inspired by major festivals in the Netherlands, incorporating massive stage designs and spectacular light shows.”
To enhance the immersive experience, ignited by the cubic pieces, the Concept K team installed a 40-meter-wide and 10-meter-high backdrop made up of lighting fixtures. Working in concert together, the different design elements created a captivating visual impression without distracting from, the performances on stage.
The Color STRIKE M played a key role in helping the team realize this vision. “One of the key fixtures in our design was the Color STRIKE M, which allowed us to establish a strong color base while delivering a strobe effect,” explained Kelian. “It served multiple purposes on the main stage. Some of the fixtures were front-facing for strobe effects in blind mode, while others on a ground-level row between the stage and the backdrop created both a powerful counter-light effect and a strobed scenic element for the stage design. Then, another group of Color STRIKE Ms were mounted on overhead trusses to light up the audience and enhance the immersive experience.”
Concept K also designed the rig for festivals’ second stages, which was devoted to techno. “On the second stage, we opted for a more minimalist scenography, emphasizing a powerful visual experience that combined lasers, pyrotechnics, and lighting,” said Kelian. “In this case, the Color STRIKE M was used exclusively in blind mode and positioned on stage.”
In addition to setting up the stages at both festival dates, the Concept K team also ran shows for many of the artists, including headliners, on both stages. Concept K, was very appreciative of the contributions made by collaborators in this massive project including Midnight Sound Event, and ShowLive FX & NT Event, as well as Blackguards and Julien Tanneau in particular for their trust and support.
“Everyone worked closely together to make this happen,” said Kelian, proving the value of one “rule” that should NEVER be broken – collaboration breeds success in design.
Further information about CHAUVET Professional: www.chauvetprofessional.com
