Robert Juliat Topaze Followspots Illuminate the Middle Ages for Medieval Times' Chicago Guests

Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament has opted for Topaze, the 1,200W MSD followspot from Robert Juliat; the unit has been added to the lighting inventory at its Chicago castle. Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament offers guests ringside seats to a story of bravery and honor set in 11th-century Spain; the entertainment includes a jousting tournament and falconry, in addition to a four-course feast.

Barbizon Lighting Company supplied the new Robert Juliat Topaze fixtures as part of a lighting upgrade to Medieval Times' suburban Chicago location.

"I was looking for something different, not the usual spots," says sound and lighting manager Edgar Campos. "Other lighting manufacturers seemed to have the same type of design. I was looking for the sturdiest fixtures with the fewest parts and found them in the Topaze, which combines shutter and fader, for example."

The Robert Juliat Topaze has a high-performance double condenser optical system, 100-percent closing iris with backplate follower in a removable cassette, 100-percent closing mechanical dimmer, and A-size movable gobo holder. Its six-way color changer system is fitted with a removable filter frame.

"I like the Topazes a lot -- everything about them is great," declares Campos. "They're working out really well and are very smooth. The intensity of the fixtures is perfect: They probably have twice as much light output as our original followspots."