Les 7 Doigts: 1001 Nights: The Last Chapter

This was no small feat in the coliseum-style amphitheater of Al Majaz. The open-air structure left the production at the mercy of the elements, limiting projector positions. But VYV’s three-person team, three photon servers, and Albion tracking system, ensured that the sixteen 30 000-lumen projectors integrated seamlessly with the real world and were presented flawlessly from any perspective in this nearly 360° majestic theatre.

In addition to five fixed screens and a gnarled tree prop, a central, asymmetric, multi-cube structure were all projection mapped. Tracking and mapping this box in real time was a phenomenal task, as this box rotated and opened up, changing shape throughout the performance while also serving as an additional platform for acrobatics. Photon’s powerful shadow compensations crucially computed and corrected for shadows in real time, for subtle but stunning effects. Time-consuming and difficult mapping and tracking were speedily achieved by Photon’s very quick calibration systems. The scale of the impact is difficult to convey, explains Bezencon, but even seasoned, pessimistic projectionists were wowed.

Equally wowing was of course the amazing human feats of the circus troupe, Les 7 Doigts. Illuminating 21 fast-moving performers executing aerial tricks on chains, straps, and even trampolines pushed the limits of lighting integration and tracking. Luckily, Albion’s tracking system, with 24 cameras and a Copernic pack issued to each performer, were more than able to achieve this impressive feat.

The saga is projected to continue with new performances to be announced in other major cities soon.