Innovation Behind the Stage

Technology is best when it brings people together. Matt Mullenweg

Eurovision Song Contest 2024 Scene. Source: eurovisionworld.com.

For those who stayed up late watching the Eurovision Contest last night and for those who missed it, three key observations emerged. The first two are closely linked: the conservative European cultural bourgeoisie continues to exhibit antisemitic tendencies, unlike the broader European public, which is noticeably less so.

Whether this disparity is influenced by the mobilization of Jewish communities worldwide or due to Israel's perceived underdog status in the contest, the data speaks volumes: Israel experienced the most significant negative difference between the judges' scores and the public vote—a stark contrast to Switzerland, the winner, which saw the exact opposite trend.

Eurovision Song Contest 2024: The difference between judges and the public scores.

However, the focus of this post is on a third, distinctly different observation: the contest's stage setup was absolutely marvelous.

Eurovision is often perceived merely as a flamboyant music contest, yet it has consistently been at the forefront of broadcast and stage technology, driving innovations that have a wide-reaching impact on the entertainment industry.

Each year, Eurovision serves as a platform to demonstrate the latest in technology, both visible and behind-the-scenes. For instance, the 2021 contest in Rotterdam, spearheaded by Erwin Rintjema, featured a sophisticated automated lighting system and elaborate cable arrangements. These technological feats weren’t just about creating stunning visuals; they were crucial for achieving precision and efficiency in live broadcasting, essential for an event of such magnitude.

The technological strides made by the Eurovision Song Contest highlight its dedication to advancing live entertainment technology. Below are several impressive examples from recent years. Here are several notable examples from recent years:

Green Room Innovations (Germany, 2011): The contest in Düsseldorf introduced interactive features within the Green Room, such as touchscreen tables that allowed participants to view performance feedback and social media reactions in real-time. This technology fostered a more interactive atmosphere and connected performers with the audience and their supporters online.

Real-time Interactive Elements (Sweden, 2016): During the 2016 contest held in Sweden, the show incorporated an innovative real-time voting visualization system. This system graphically displayed voting patterns and audience preferences live, adding a new layer of engagement and transparency to the voting process.

Broadcasting and Streaming (Portugal, 2018): When Portugal hosted in 2018, they utilized advanced ultra-high-definition (UHD) cameras for the broadcast. This was one of the first large-scale uses of UHD technology in Eurovision’s history, offering viewers exceptionally clear and detailed visual quality. Moreover, the streaming services provided multi-camera angles, allowing online viewers to choose their viewing perspective, and enriching the user experience.

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) (Israel, 2019): In Tel Aviv, the 2019 Eurovision incorporated augmented reality technology to create stunning visual effects that were integrated into live performances. For instance, during Australia’s performance, AR was used to create the illusion of the singer floating among stars, which significantly enhanced the fantastical element of the show.

Advanced Stage Designs (Italy, 2022): Italy's hosting in 2022 showcased a spectacular stage design featuring a gigantic kinetic sun composed of LED screens that could move and change colors throughout the performances. This innovation allowed for a dynamic backdrop that interacted with the songs and artists, enhancing the emotional impact of the performances.

However, the innovation in stage design began long before Eurovision, with a rich history deeply rooted in the evolution of performance art. This evolution reflects broader changes in technology, culture, and society. Let’s take a brief journey through the history of stage innovations to understand better how they have shaped and been shaped by these elements.

Ancient Beginnings. The roots of stage innovation can be traced back to ancient Greece, where the first formalized theatrical performances took place in open-air amphitheaters. The Greeks introduced the concept of the "skene" – a backdrop used to hide actors from view and to display scenery. This innovation was crucial in developing early stagecraft and narrative depth, allowing for more complex storytelling.

Medieval Age. During the medieval period, stage innovation took a different turn with the advent of traveling minstrels and troubadours. Theaters were rare, so performances often occurred in town squares, using wagons as makeshift stages. This period saw the development of "pageant wagons," each presenting a different scene from a cycle of religious plays, creating a mobile, multi-stage effect as they moved through towns.

Renaissance. The Renaissance era was a golden age for theater, particularly in Italy and England. Innovations such as perspective scenery, introduced by the Italians, created the illusion of depth on stage, revolutionizing set design. In England, William Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, with its thrust stage extending into the audience, enhanced the intimacy and engagement of performances, allowing actors to interact more directly with the audience.

Technological Advancements of the 19th Century. The 19th century was a period of great technological advancements in stagecraft. Gas lighting, and later, electric lighting, allowed for more nuanced and dramatic lighting designs. The introduction of the "limelight," a type of spotlight, enabled directors to focus the audience's attention more effectively. Mechanical innovations such as trapdoors and flying systems enriched the visual spectacle of performances, making them more dynamic and magical.

The Modernist Movement. The early 20th century saw the rise of modernist theater practitioners who experimented with minimalism and breaking the "fourth wall." Directors like Bertolt Brecht and Antonin Artaud advocated for a theater that was raw and stripped of illusions, focusing more on conveying messages and emotions directly. This era also saw the introduction of multimedia elements, with projections and sound becoming integral parts of stage design.

Digital Age Dynamics. Today, the frontier of stage innovation is in the digital realm. The use of advanced computer-generated imagery (CGI), holography, and virtual reality has opened new possibilities for immersive theater experiences. Contemporary performances can transport audiences to fantastical worlds with astonishing realism, thanks to digital projections and 3D sound systems. The integration of interactive technology also allows audiences to influence the course of the performance, making it a personalized experience.

Malmö 2024: A New Era of Stage Innovation

The Eurovision Song Contest 2024 in Malmö, being based on previous advancements,  has introduced groundbreaking stage innovations that significantly enhanced the experience for both the live audience and viewers worldwide.

The responsibility for this spectacle has been given to Green Wall Designs, known for their work on Beyoncé’s "RENAISSANCE World Tour" and the ABBA "Voyage" show. Their design for Eurovision 2024, featuring a centrally placed cross-shaped layout, was centered around a unique 360-degree experience that placed the audience at the heart of the action. This immersive setup was augmented by movable LED cubes and extensive LED flooring, covering approximately 1,000 square meters, that dynamically altered the visual atmosphere throughout the performances.

In addition to the visual components, the lighting system included 2,168 fixtures, each equipped with either LED or laser sources, which are meticulously arranged to optimize the visual impact, tailoring the ambiance for each performance.

This intricate lighting design elevated the aesthetics of the show, providing a unique visual expression tailored to each act, which improved both the live and broadcast experiences.

To Sum Up…

The Eurovision Song Contest has consistently been one of the beacons of innovation in the entertainment industry, continuously evolving with each iteration to push the boundaries of what's possible on stage.

In general, from ancient Greece to the digital age, stage art has evolved dramatically, transforming from a mere backdrop to a pivotal component of theatrical productions. Technological advancements have ushered in an era where the technical elements of performance often overshadow traditional aspects such as singing, dancing, and acting.

Lighting, sound design, and digital projections now create immersive environments that captivate audiences, turning the stage into a dynamic canvas that enhances storytelling. This integration of technology not only enriches the viewer's experience but also expands the creative possibilities for directors and designers, making the technical facets sometimes the most significant part of the show.