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The Chippewas of Mnjikaning First Nation, an aboriginal community north
of Toronto, turned to modern theatrical technology to showcase their
ancient history and culture.
Lester Creative has created a jewel of a show for the entrance to Casino Rama Resort. Its highlights include a Multi-media Surround Theater, "Holographic" Spirit Trees, and Dancing Spirit Footprints, to name a few of the main effects. Above, around and even in the floor below – all surfaces contain effects to envelop the audience, to immerse them in a cultural experience. |
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Multi-media Surround Theater |
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| “Spirit Lodge,” a multimedia show inside the resort’s Grand Rotunda,
offers visitors a look at the ancient, yet enduring civilization of the
Mnjikaning people, incorporating state-of-the-art sound, video, sculpture,
fiber optic lighting and other special effects in a three-dimensional
setting infused with First Nation symbolic elements. To the right are examples of the Surround Theater in various phases of use. The first image (TOP) is the original artist conceptual drawing. These images demonstrate the flexible nature of the theater format designed by Lester Creative. Here the video screens carry advertising during off-show periods. |
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| Note: the use of the inverted basket-like poles in the video to enhance the unique effect of surrounding imagery. The poles are representational of a "Fish Fence," used by the Mnjikaning for centuries. |
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| To complete the "Fish Fence" motif, sculpted fish were introduced into the design. Fabricated of fiberglass, they’re made to appear copper with a tarnished patina. |
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| The Mnjikaning used four different methods of catching fish -- the weir (fish fence), nets, fish traps and spearing. | ||
| Seven projection screens around the perimeter of the dome add to the total experience. |
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| The center screen above is positioned within a "Medicine Wheel" of simulated woven “sweet grass,” a cultural element of the Anishnabeg peoples. This screen furthers the visual immersive effect. |
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| The simulated central fire pit masks important lighting and projection equipment. |
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| Many aspects and components of
the show were fabricated by aboriginal craftspeople. They hand-wove the "Dream Catcher-like" security fence. |
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| When they were harvesting fish for food, they did not use a hook and line like sport fishermen and anglers do now. That would take forever to catch all the fish needed for a whole year. Four different methods of catching fish were traditionally used; the weir (fish fence), nets, fish traps and spearing are common. | ||
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Fiber Optic and "Holographic" Clan Spirit Trees |
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| Members of the seven clans come to life as spirit masks on huge tree
trunks. The effect employs fiber optics and "holographic" video projection
-- a Lester Creative original!
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| The image on the left demonstrates the effect under "normal" lighting. It appears to be a normal wood carving on a tree. With light projection, the image gives the illusion that the clan spirit has "come to life" as it speaks to the audience. |
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The Anishnabeg (“first people”) way of life on the North American continent pre-dates the great pyramids of Egypt. “The show is totally engaging,” said Lawrence H. Lester, president of Lester Creative Inc. “Above, around and even in the floor below – all surfaces contain effects to envelop the audience, to immerse them in the cultural experience.” Members of the seven clans come to life, Lester explained, as spirit masks on huge tree trunks, and speak to the crowd in the rotunda area. Each spirit then “walks” among the spectators, a dance of fiber optic light at their feet. The show is scheduled to repeat every hour on the hour. Lester Creative specializes in conceiving and producing cutting edge, highly technical shows and attractions for theme parks, hotels and other venues. Employing multi-talented core staff, Lester assembles top-notch design/development/production teams to generate attractions that are uniquely imaginative, cost-effective, safe and enduring. |
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| The projected image "speaks" to
the audience, then the fiber optics scintillate down the tree to the floor
were the footprint of the Clan's animal icon "walks" among the audience
and "dances" with the performers.
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| A “carved” image comes to life. |
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Fiber Optic "Dancing Spirit" Footprints |
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| Images
of "dancing" footprints
appearing on the floor.
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| Fiber optic bundles of each Clan's representative icon are embedded in the floor surface. The embedded fiber optics are invisible until the footprints begin "moving" along the floor, "dancing" among the audience. | ||
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