Visit the PI (Physik Instrumente) web site

Actuator provides dramatic stage effects

A Magnet Schultz product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jul 24, 2008

The Electro Kabuki is supplied with quick-fit, weatherproof supply and link cable connectors so that the mechanism can be daisy chained in order to drop large drapes or items.

The remotely operated Electro Kabuki from Magnet Schultz guarantees that drapes, cables and dummies will be released on cue every time.

It is currently being used in the National Theatre of Scotland's play "Black Watch".

Black Watch is based on interviews, conducted by Gregory Burke, with former soldiers who served in Iraq.

When director, John Tiffany, created a scene where three Black Watch soldiers are blown up by an Iraqi bomb, he wanted to use a kabuki drop to reveal the soldiers suspended in the air.

Flint Hire and Supply specified the Electro Kabuki from Magnet Schultz.

"There have now been over 200 performances of Black Watch performed throughout the UK and overseas and the Electro Kabuki has never failed", Deputy Production Manager, Chris Hay said.

"Instead of worrying whether the drape will fall, all that needs to be done is for a button to be pressed and the Electro Kabuki does the rest".

A total of 10 Electro Kabuki units and firing boxes are used in the Black Watch production.

Following the sell-out run at the Edinburgh Festival, the National Theatre of Scotland decided to purchase a second set of Electro Kabukis for the touring version which has appeared in theatres in Australia, New Zealand and throughout the USA.

"The support we have received from Flints and Magnet Schultz has been excellent", Hay said.

"We are now looking at buying additional Electro Kabukis for other projects being contemplated by the National Theatre of Scotland".

The Electro Kabuki has been designed to reliably release weights of up to 50kg and is suitable for applications where the requirement is to discharge or drop drapes, dummies or cables on cue as a straight drop or at any angle.

Also suitable for very light loads, the Electro Kabuki is supplied off the shelf with all elements ready to connect and operate having been assembled and tested prior to despatch.

A safety catch prevents premature load release and enables the mechanism to be tested prior to the show without releasing the load.

Using standard voltages 24V DC, 110V AC and 230V AC, the weatherproof Electro Kabuki is supplied with quick-fit, weatherproof supply and link cable connectors so that the mechanism can be daisy chained in order to drop large drapes or items.

The Electro Kabuki has two integral mounting points for simple attachment to scaffold poles using standard half couplings.

Not what you're looking for? Search the site.

Back to top Back to top

Google Ads

 

Contact Magnet Schultz

Related Stories

Contact Magnet Schultz
Newsletter sign up

Request your free weekly copy of the Engineeringtalk email newsletter ...

Visit the PI (Physik Instrumente) web site

Articles by product category

All suppliers A - Z

A Pro-talk Publication

A Pro-talk publication