RAYE - This Tour May Contain New Music

Singer songwriter RAYE and orchestra took the stage on Febr 1 at a sold-out AFAS DOME in Antwerp, one of the gigs of her most recent ‘This Tour May Contain New Music’. WI were called in for the European leg bringing in our expertise to design and motion a huge red velvet Venetian curtain, automate a scenic cloud as well as the laser units. With her sisters, Amma and Absolutely warming the crowds before RAYE hits the stage, a breath taking theatrical spectacle unfolds.

THE CLOUD

Inspired by RAYE’s album artwork, the cloud became a defining feature. Diffused internal lighting made it look like as a real cloud, a great scenic piece by OX Events which we motioned up and down with 2x250kg chain hoists and an integrated data winch for cable management.

In addition, 3 compact power data winches were deployed for the laser units which featured twice during the show in differing configurations.

RAYE wanted a unique jazz look, so it was important that the material had a high-grade finish. And we figured out how to come up with a clever system to automate the curtain.” - Raf Peeters

THE CURTAIN

A WI design inspired by the so-called Venetian curtain system, a classic drapery technique that introduces layered movement and depth to the stage picture. Rather than functioning as a single piece of fabric, the curtain is divided into 9 sections controlled by 9 WI rolldrops each connected through a series of cords and guiding ribbons. These allow the curtain to move vertically while maintaining the fluid shapes and transitions that define traditional theatre curtains.

To create flexibility in staging, the curtain is split into 2 main halves — SL & SR. A central split was required by the team for the opening moment. RAYE disappears in the split before the cloud is lowered and then both the drape and cloud are lifted to reveal the band behind. Rather than simply acting as static elements, both curtain and cloud become active storytelling devices.

All elements were controlled via WICREATIONS’ patented WI Roll Drop system which powered the lifting mechanism for the curtains.

THE CHALLENGE

Lead time and weight of the curtain presented the most significant engineering challenges. WI team lead Raf Peeters drew on his relationship with ShowTex to find the best material and realise the artist’s vision with a high quality, durable flame retardant velvet product.

The curtain measures 30m by 14m and a double fabric was used to create the deep warm fullness RAYE desired. With a total weight of around 350kg efficient load-ins and -outs could have become a serious problem were it not that the WI team worked out a swift and ingenious roll up system together with 2 black ‘sausage bags’ to house and transport the drape.

A star show for a star artist.

Grateful for the smooth collab with a wonderful team – from the artist down.

PRODUCTION PARTNERS

Production Manager - Stephen ‘Stevie’ Reeve

Creative Team

Thank you Fly By Nite Rehearsal Studios

WI CREW

Team Lead - Raf Peeters
Project Manager - Cas Verbruggen
Crew Chief and Operator - Chris Sabelleck
Automation Technician 1 - Alin Ghenghe
Automation Technician 2 - Maarten Heyens