The Inauguration and opening of Qatalum, a joint venture with Qatar Petroleum and Norwegian firm Hydro, took place over two consecutive days and in two separate venues. The main event took place at Mesaieed Industrial City where The Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, assisted by Norwegian Crown Prince Haakon, performed the inauguration of this state-of-the-art facility. Working with Executive Producer Simon Mayne and Production Manager Mark Fogwill of WRG, we provided a package of scenic and interpretive work, carried out by our team who have gained much experience of working in this desert climate.
THE INAUGURATION EVENT
The main venue was an existing permanent structure for which we provided the fixings for full sized digitally printed graphics masking the existing building, along with two 3D sculptural portals. These were manufactured from wood, with screen-printed aluminium panelling applied to the external fascia. A geometric design, used throughout, was applied to each surface and the various panels were configured in such a way as to form a crystalline shape, indicative of a molecular representation of bauxite ore.
SCULPTURAL CHEMISTRY
Inside the venue, a major sculptural feature consisted of a progression of over 150 three[1]dimensional shapes, which gradually decreased in size, also changing in colour and shape. These symbolised the transformation of bauxite aluminium during the smelting process and extended from the floor of the foyer area into the ceiling of the auditorium, sweeping around each side of the seating area before merging with further flown scenic elements either side of the stage.
MAIN STAGE AND REVEAL
We constructed a 450mm high stage, 36m wide and 5m deep, with white filled cloth to the rear of the stage along with black felt flattage and black fascia. A series of angular aluminium scenic panels, approximately 2m by 3m high were printed with the geometric design, continuing the theme of the flown scenery to each side. We also installed two 4m by 3m front projection screens, one to each side of a central reveal panel.
This central reveal consisted of white gauze, screen-printed with the geometric design, with black drapes behind. A 6m wide ingot shaped panel revealed halo-lit acrylic letters, spelling out the words ‘Aluminium Perfection’. We constructed two band trucks and a bespoke lectern, which spun round as it was revealed, before having various scenic elements fitted to it as part of the inauguration ceremony.
Our crew of ten were on site for a total of ten days and also provided six freestanding graphic units in the foyer exhibition and flattage, suitable for the appropriate graphic content, to create walling for the adjacent dining area.
THE INAUGURATION DINNER
The night before the inauguration ceremony, a gala dinner was provided for 260 VIP guests, which involved our team helping to transform the huge ballroom of a brand new hotel in Doha, working with WRG and drapes specialists Blackout to provide a setting suitable for the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra and a choir. We constructed a large tiered stage, 20m wide by 13m deep; 900mm high at the front, rising to 1500mm at the rear. We added steps to the front before carpeting the whole stage and providing an aluminium trim. Handrails were added and choir access points provided to stage left and right. A proscenium arch was constructed, spanning 25m across the stage at a height of 8m, which was then covered with a digital print. The ballroom was on the 9th floor and with our access limited to one lift, the 85 staging units had to be moved one at a time, with any items too large for the lift, being carried up the many flights of stairs. An unforeseen last minute change of venue meant that we had been unable to carry out a recce beforehand, but the results achieved were testimony to the adaptability of our seven-man crew who were on site for just five days.
