Grand Celebration of DGSN's 70th Anniversary
The 70th anniversary of Morocco's General Directorate of National Security (DGSN) was marked by an impressive event held on May 17 in Rabat, showcasing the organization's ongoing modernization and dedication to public safety. This outdoor celebration, set against the stunning backdrop of the Atlantic coastline, transformed a traditional parade into a visually captivating spectacle that seamlessly combined military precision with elaborate show production elements. The event featured a dynamic lighting design by Concept K, alongside cutting-edge lighting equipment supplied by Elation, creating an unforgettable experience for attendees.
Transforming Vision into Reality
Leading the ambitious lighting production was French multimedia designer Frédéric ‘Aldo’ Fayard from Concept K, who worked in close collaboration with Stéphane Thiodat, the artistic director from SC Production. The event utilized an extensive array of Elation lighting equipment, including 155 Proteus Maximus fixtures, 78 Proteus Hybrid fixtures, and 160 Sōl I Blinder fixtures, all supplied by Novelty / Dushow Group. Concept K took charge of the complete lighting design, setup, and show programming, which also included lasers and water fountain effects. Having previously contributed to the DGSN’s 69th anniversary celebration in El Jadida, Concept K was once again entrusted with the task of enhancing this annual event.
The magnitude of the production presented its own set of challenges, as Fayard explained, "The first challenge was simply the scale. We had to illuminate an area equivalent to two football fields filled with people, vehicles, horses, and military equipment. At the same time, we needed to provide sufficient brightness for the thousands of VIP guests and meet the requirements of the broadcast team and their cameras. It was essential to highlight and enhance the police forces during this important 70th anniversary celebration."
The event's setup included a massive stage, six lighting towers, and a large guest tent, all seamlessly integrated into a sophisticated lighting and effects system that showcased various squads from the DGSN, including different police forces, vehicles, mounted units, and canine teams. Thiodat aimed to elevate the military parade into a stunning show, collaborating closely with Fayard to refine the creative vision according to the Colonel's specifications.
Throughout the creative process, adjustments were made to adapt to changing requirements, and Fayard noted the importance of collaboration: “Thanks to our long-lasting partnership with Stéphane, the process was smooth and efficient.” To support this vision, Concept K expanded on the original scenic design, turning the entire setup into an effective platform for lighting and laser integration. The incorporation of fountain effects also required the use of weatherproof fixtures, given the outdoor venue's proximity to the ocean, which posed challenges such as dust and moisture exposure.
Fayard elaborated on the technical demands, stating, “We needed fixtures that were completely dust-tight and waterproof. For key and side lighting, we were looking for a powerful fixture with narrow zoom capabilities to cover long distances. Our conditions were demanding because the performance space covered approximately two football pitches. Meanwhile, for backlighting across the expansive area, we required a wide beam angle to maximize surface coverage with a limited number of fixtures.” This is where the Proteus Maximus proved invaluable, meeting all requirements while offering the consistency necessary for a deployment of such a large quantity of fixtures, coupled with a competitive rental cost.
The Proteus Hybrid fixtures complemented the overall design by delivering versatile beam and spot effects, crucial for the production's effectiveness. Fayard remarked, “We’ve worked with the Proteus Hybrid many times before. Its IP65 rating and true hybrid functionality were essential criteria for our selection. Very few fixtures can provide both beam and spot performance with the reliability demanded for outdoor events.” Concept K was also one of the first to utilize the Sōl I Blinder, benefiting from Dushow’s early investment in France, and leveraged 160 of these fixtures throughout the event for visual accents, rhythm cues, color washes, and dynamic backlighting.
In concluding his thoughts on the event, Fayard expressed gratitude, stating, “The event went very well. A huge thank you to Stéphane Thiodat for his trust on this very special project, and many thanks as well to Delight Event Management. We were also very happy to work with the Novelty / Dushow Group team, who provided full support from project preparation through on-site execution. A good result is always the outcome of a collective effort, and that was certainly the case here.”
As reported by lsionline.com.
