Morocco's Grand Event for DGSN's 70th Anniversary
On May 17, Morocco commemorated the 70th Anniversary of the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN) with a magnificent event held in Rabat, showcasing the organization's dedication to modernization and public safety. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Atlantic coastline, this outdoor celebration transformed a traditional military parade into a captivating visual spectacle, seamlessly integrating military precision with sophisticated show production elements. The creative lighting design was executed by Concept K, utilizing state-of-the-art equipment from Elation.
A Collaborative Effort in Lighting Design
The ambitious production was brought to life by the talented lighting team at Concept K, spearheaded by French lighting, set, and multimedia designer Frédéric "Aldo" Fayard. They collaborated closely with Artistic Director Stéphane Thiodat from SC Production, employing an extensive lighting package from Elation, which included an impressive array of 155 Proteus Maximus fixtures, 78 Proteus Hybrid units, and 160 Sōl I Blinder lights, all supplied by Novelty / Dushow Group. Concept K was responsible for the comprehensive lighting design, setup, and programming, including the integration of lasers and fountains, having previously contributed to the DGSN's 69th anniversary event in El Jadida.
"The first challenge was simply the scale of the event," said Aldo. "We had to illuminate an area significantly larger than two football fields, filled with people, vehicles, horses, and military equipment. It was crucial to ensure sufficient brightness for the thousands of VIP guests while accommodating the broadcast team’s camera requirements. Highlighting the police forces during this significant celebration was essential."
The production featured a massive stage, six towers, and a spacious guest tent, all of which were integrated into a cohesive lighting and effects system that supported a parade showcasing various DGSN squads, including diverse police forces, vehicles, mounted units, and canine teams. Thiodat aimed to elevate the military parade into an extraordinary show, collaborating closely with Concept K to refine the sequences as directed by the commanding Colonel overseeing the event.
"Throughout the creative process, the concept evolved, and we adapted accordingly," Aldo remarked. "Budget constraints were always a consideration, but our long-standing partnership with Stéphane made the collaboration smooth and efficient." The entire structure was expanded upon to serve as a platform for lighting and laser integration, with fountain effects added to enhance the spectacle. Given the outdoor setting near the ocean, protecting against dust and moisture was a paramount concern.
To address these challenges, they required fixtures that were completely dust-tight and waterproof. Aldo emphasized, "For our key and side lighting, we needed powerful fixtures with a narrow zoom to reach long distances. The expansive performance area required a wide beam angle to cover as much ground as possible with a limited number of fixtures." The Proteus Maximus was identified as the ideal solution, delivering the necessary performance while remaining competitively priced, proving its worth in the deployment of over 150 units. Its reputation as a reliable LED profile moving head made it a trusted choice for the project.
Complementing the lighting design, the Proteus Hybrid fixtures, known for their innovative weatherproof capabilities, provided versatile beam and spot effects throughout the show. Aldo noted, "We have a history of using the Proteus Hybrid, and its IP65 rating alongside true hybrid functionality were crucial for our needs. Few fixtures can deliver both beam and spot performance with the reliability required for outdoor events." Additionally, Concept K was one of the early adopters of the Sōl I Blinder, utilizing 160 units to create visual accents, rhythm cues, color washes, and dynamic backlighting. Aldo praised its lightweight design, efficiency, wide beam angle, and exceptional value, stating, "The Sōl I is a true multitool—we love it."
The event was a resounding success, drawing praise from thousands of attendees and broadcast audiences alike for its impactful design and contemporary execution. "The event went very well," Aldo concluded, expressing gratitude to Stéphane Thiodat for his trust in the project and appreciation for the support from Delight Event Management and the Novelty / Dushow Group team. "A good result is always the outcome of a collective effort, and that was certainly the case here."
As reported by livedesignonline.com.
