Modern Elation lighting and Obsidian control solutions restore a cultural Beacon.
Kazalište 21 (Theater 21) in Sisak, Croatia, one of the city's most cherished cultural landmarks, has reopened its doors with a state-of-the-art Elation lighting system by Audio Video Consulting (AVC), marking a major milestone in the theater's post-earthquake recovery. The 6.4 magnitude earthquake that struck the region on December 29, 2020, caused significant damage to the venue, temporarily silencing a key hub of local arts and culture.
The newly renovated theater is a modern performance venue, capable of hosting theater, music, and puppet productions at the highest professional level. Operated by Dom kulture Kristalna kocka vedrine - City Theatre Sisak, its contemporary aesthetics are matched by an advanced technical infrastructure, offering a flexible and inspiring environment for artists and audiences alike. At the heart of this transformation is a new Elation lighting rig and Obsidian control solution, designed and installed by Zagreb-based integrator AVC (www.avc.hr).
Prepared for the Future
AVC, a specialist in high-tech audiovisual installations, oversaw the project from initial concept to full implementation, delivering a modern system that prepares the 200-seat venue for a wide range of creative productions.
The Elation lighting replaces much of the theater's outdated tungsten fixtures and includes 18 KL PAR FC full-color-spectrum LED PARs, twelve KL FRESNEL 8 FC LED Fresnels, and four FUZE SFX LED spot/effects fixtures. The KL PARs and KL Fresnels deliver rich, vibrant washes and precise color temperature control, while the FUZE SFX provide dynamic effects and powerful backlighting. The theater now features modern LED fixtures for soft lighting and spot applications, complemented by a few remaining tungsten units.
"For us, Elation was the perfect choice-a modern, reliable solution that enables the theater to meet today's production demands while looking toward the future," said Marino Frankola, lighting specialist at AVC who was responsible for the lighting design. "This is just one of a series of future projects we plan to realize with Elation, and we are extremely pleased with what we have achieved on this small but very important stage."
KL and FUZE
Frankola notes that the client is especially pleased with the KL PAR FC full-color-spectrum LED fixtures, which are positioned around the stage as front, side, and top light. "The possibilities, the power, the barndoors, and the combination with the KL Fresnels are very practical," he says.
The KL FRESNEL 8 FC units serve as LED substitutes for the 2K tungsten fixtures previously used. The theater is particularly happy that they no longer need to change gels for backlight, sidelight, or overhead positions.
Both KL fixtures house RGBMA color mixing engines, ensuring a perfect color match across the rig. The five-color system delivers a full-spectrum palette of rich, saturated hues and subtle pastels, along with precise white balance and fine control over color temperature.
A unique combination of spot and effects fixture, the multi-purpose FUZE SFX's 18 gobos and dual prisms allow for creative mid-air FX and precise image projections. Positioned on two trusses, they are often used as backlight for specials.
ONYX Control
The new system is controlled via an Obsidian Control Systems NX1 console, providing powerful, intuitive ONYX control in a compact design, with an NX K control surface extension. The theater's outdated control hardware has been replaced in an upgrade that marks a significant technological leap beyond submaster-only operation. Cue-based programming now allows the theater staff the flexibility to create intricate lighting sequences with ease, enabling a wider range of creative possibilities.
"The upgrade was invaluable," Frankola stated. "The NX1 is a good fit because it is easy-to-learn software and very user-friendly. It is a good console for someone who isn't necessarily a lighting control expert or up to date on the latest in lighting control."
Comprehensive training was a key part of the project. AVC spent a week on-site teaching the theater staff to operate the NX1 and the ONYX platform, complemented by online tutorials. For a team accustomed to traditional lighting practices, the transition was transformative. Staff praised the control system for its ease of use and creative possibilities, describing it as "a great discovery" that simplified operations.
The Little Prince
The Elation lighting install was completed early in the summer and debuted with a production of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's The Little Prince, directed by Helena Petković with lighting design by Vesna Kolarec. Both the audience and behind-the-scenes personnel were delighted with the play and the new lighting system, which showed its impact in enhancing the atmosphere and highlighting the appeal of the costumes and scenery.
"Now they can achieve different artistic and aesthetic looks very easily. The new lighting rig has really enhanced their possibilities," noted Frankola.
With its new Elation lighting, Kazalište 21 has restored its technical capabilities, opened the door to new creative opportunities, and re-established its role as a vibrant cultural hub for the community.
Photo 1: Zoran Luketić
