Croatia - Kazalište 21 (Theatre 21) in Sisak, one of the city’s most cherished cultural landmarks, has reopened its doors with a modern Elation lighting system by Audio Video Consulting (AVC), marking a major milestone in the theatre’s post-earthquake recovery. The 6.4 magnitude earthquake that struck the region on 29 December 2020 caused significant damage to the venue, temporarily silencing a key hub of local arts and culture.
The newly renovated theatre is a modern performance venue, capable of hosting theatre, 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.
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The Elation lighting replaces much of the theatre’s outdated tungsten fixtures and includes 18 KL PAR FC full-colour-spectrum LED PARs, 12 KL Fresnel 8 FC LED Fresnels, and four Fuze SFX LED spot/effects fixtures. The theatre now features modern LED fixtures for soft lighting and spot applications, complemented by a few remaining tungsten units.
“For us, Elation was the best choice – a modern, reliable solution that enables the theatre 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 realise with Elation, and we are extremely pleased with what we have achieved on this small but very important stage.”
Frankola notes that the client is especially pleased with the KL PAR FC full-colour-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 theatre is particularly happy that they no longer need to change gels for backlight, sidelight, or overhead positions.
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 theatre’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 theatre 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 theatre staff to operate the NX1 and the Onyx platform, complemented by online tutorials.
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.
