AARHUS, Denmark – On The Tragically Hip’s latest tour, Lighting Designer Brent Clark was effectively charged with creating two shows in one when the band decided to break up their performance into multiple parts. The first and third sections would feature new music while the middle of the show would be songs from their 1992 hit record Fully Completely. Consequently, Clark deployed lighting fixtures by Harman’s Martin Professional to create a look that was both modern and retro at the same time.
More details from Harman (www.harman.com);
Fully Completely was a hit in the 1990’s so Clark found inspiration in an old digital clock and a classic PAR can look. He wanted to recreate a 90’s appearance in a modern way and by using 134 MAC 101 fixtures, Clark was easily able to build his PAR can look which proved to be impactful during the various parts of the show. To produce a “show within a show,” the MAC 101 backdrop had to work in a way that would bring the audience in during both parts of the performance. Clark also created a complex trussing system with color forces that looked like a digital alarm clock. The grid was on automated motors and when the band walked out, it spelled out their name.
“I needed lights that are really punchy that would look good for the two different sets,” said Clark. “The MAC 101s were great! When I brought down the video screens, the lights then shot out between the panels and helped shrink the space. They provided the right amount of attention to the stage when I needed it.”
A video presentation wall was also an important feature on the stage. Creating the mechanism to move the video panels from overhead to a backdrop was one of the bigger challenges for Clark. In the end, however, the panels offered an impactful transition between the different parts of the show. Using the video enabled Clark to transform the space so the audience really had a sense of the show within a show feel. He also added scrim around the stage during the Fully Completely section to create a box effect, making the space feel more intimate. Clark also used MAC Viper Profiles around the stage because he liked their hard-edged beams. He felt they helped immerse the audience in specific moments in the show.
This tour has been one of many Clark has designed for The Tragically Hip over the years. Having the challenge of two shows in one coupled with the idea of bringing a retro, yet modern feel to the stage was something that Clark and his team successfully created. He attributes the tour’s success to his years of experience.
“I’ve been working with The Hip for the last ten to fifteen years,” said Clark. “What makes this tour easier for all of us is that now we are older and wiser than we used to be. Luckily, I had a great partner in Christie Lites to help me pull off this vision. They have been great to work with and all the products they’ve provided are stellar.”
Martin Equipment
- MAC 101, 134 pcs.
- MAC Viper Profile, 14 pcs.
For more information, please visit: www.martin.com
For more information on The Tragically Hip, please visit http://www.thehip.com/
For more information on Brent Clark, please visit http://www.lightingdesignbybc.com/
For more information on the rental company, please visit https://www.christielites.com/
