The equipment for the whole Shen Yun Performing Arts show fits into a single truck.
“We can set a stage and perform the same day. It doesn’t make sense to rent gear. We trust our gear, know its history, and like to operate it ourselves,” Abbott says.
The TITAN Quad 2000 series delivers 20,000 lumens, a 2000:1 contrast ratio, and incorporates DPI’s active 3D connectivity, intelligent lens mount, ColorMax calibration technology, provides edge blending and geometry correction and a host of other vital features, according to DPI.
Projection as Performance
There is a lot to visually and audibly take in during a Shen Yun celebration of Chinese history, but the projection seems to resonate with the audience.
“The interaction between the dancers on stage and the imagery is what audience members most often comment about with regards to projection,” says Abbott.
“One moment the dancers are on stage as the Monkey King or as a painter with a magic brush, and the next moment they are flying on the screen or diving deep in the ocean.”
There is an art, of course, to multiple projectors blending together to create background imagery that perfectly fits the rear of the stage. DPI’s Schneider, acknowledging that TITAN Super Quad boasts robust warp and blend capabilities, was impressed with Shen Yun’s technical resources. “They handled everything,” he says. “They have a very talented technical services team.”
At some points in the performance, with no dancers on stage, the projected imagery commands the audience’s attention, Abbott says.
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During the celebration of Chinese dance, however, the projection complements the dancers and musicians most. “It’s the story-based dances that lend themselves most to dynamic imagery, because they often involve colorful characters, changes in time and space, and elements of magic that are perfect for animated projection,” says Abbott.
Projection also plays a role in helping audience members follow along with the lyrics. “We project both the original Chinese and a local translation,” Abbott says.
“The song text appears one line at a time along with the singers’ performance, and is set to a beautiful and usually serene backdrop.”
More of Shen Yun’s exquisite use of projected imagery:
