From its first incarnation in a small, damp Moscow basement, the ‘alternative’ theatre established by Russian theatre director designer Oleg Tabakov and set designer David Borovsky has been joined by a second. Originally the Taberka Theatre Studio and now The Stage at Chistye Prudy, the original theatre opened 30 years ago. Now, the 400-capacity The Stage at Sukharevskaya has opened its doors with an L-Acoustics loudspeaker system.
Despite often challenging times under the Soviet regime the company thrived, and now operates The Stage at Chistye Prudy to continue the sense of intimacy essential to the original venue. The Stage at Sukharevskaya brings the flexibility to stage any kind of performance. To achieve this, certified provider and distributor of L-Acoustics products, Sonoruss, supplied the L-Acoustics elements for the first Vivace acoustic enhancement system in a Russian theatre system, installed by Salzbrenner StageTec. 44 L-Acoustics loudspeakers in RAL colours delivered exceptional acoustic versatility, yet were visually unobtrusive.
‘Installing L-Acoustics with our Vivace system was a real breakthrough for a fairly conservative drama theatre,’ says Sonoruss Technical Installation Director, Igor Novikov. ‘It opens up completely new possibilities for any production’s director, sound engineer and the audience, without physically altering the venue to change its acoustics.’
The L-Acoustics loudspeakers used in conjunction with the Vivace system comprise16 5XT, 12 8XT and 16 12XT, placed around the perimeter of the auditorium. ‘This combination delivers almost limitless possibilities, especially when combined with the outstanding natural acoustics of the venue,’ says Alexander Zaitsev, Tabakerka Head of Sound. ‘L-Acoustics loudspeakers are recommended for use with Vivace, but we chose them mostly because of their exceptionally natural sound, which is very important for the virtual acoustic system.’
Importantly, the L-Acoustics loudspeakers are almost invisible, with most being concealed behind decorative, acoustically-transparent panels and all being custom-painted by L-Acoustics. ‘The fact that our loudspeakers can be painted in any RAL colour is very convenient for venues where aesthetics are very important,’ adds Liliya Gainutdinova, the company’s Brand Manager for Russia.
The new venue opened in September with a performance of Matrosskaya Tishina, one of Tabakerka’s most well-known plays. Zaitsev is already pleased with the contribution that the L-Acoustics loudspeakers have made to productions: ‘Thanks to the combination of L-Acoustics loudspeakers and the Vivace system, audiences can experience breathtakingly realistic effects – everything from the ambience of a small room to the huge sound of a cathedral organ or an echo in the mountains, as well as moving sound sources or extended panning,’ he says.
‘It also means that, while the venue is intended principally for theatre plays, it can be also used for live concerts. We say to all Muscovite theatre lovers, “come and experience the many capabilities of this amazing system”.’
More: www.sonoruss.ru
More: www.l-acoustics.com
