Johannesburg gains international lighting expertise
Published: MEA
SOUTH AFRICA: Internationally renowned lighting designer Patrick Woodroffe and lighting programmer Roland Greil recently presented a lighting design workshop organised by DWR Distribution at Johannesburg’s UJ Arts Centre. Although Mr Woodroffe and Mr Greil have worked together on many projects, this was the first time they collaborated for an educational event.
More than 300 people attended the workshop, including lighting designers, technicians, business owners and students. Mr Woodroffe provided insight into his work for events such as the 2012 Olympics and with artists including Adele and Michael Jackson, while Mr Greil showcased drawings and provided key notes in planning and designing for large-scale events. The event was capped off with panel discussion, in which Gearhouse South Africa’s Ofer Lapid joined Mr Woodroffe and Mr Greil to answer questions.
‘I think Patrick and I are likeminded in certain things as well as having some shared experiences,’ said Mr Greil. ‘That experience and us knowing each other translated in this joint workshop. The response was great and it was fantastic to speak in front of so many enthusiastic and interested people.’
Mr Woodroffe noted that they had enjoyed the experience in South Africa, reaffirming Mr Greil’s comments.
‘It was a privilege for us to welcome such remarkable industry icons to South Africa,’ concluded Duncan Riley of DWR. ‘We were overwhelmed by the turnout. This was a unique workshop and I don’t think the speakers realise just how much their visit meant to us. The workshop was recorded by Silvercam and we look forward to sharing the video at a later stage.’