RAMA, Casino Resort (2008-11-04)

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Notes:

The Chippewas of Mnjikaning First Nation, an aboriginal community north of Toronto, have turned to modern theatrical technology to showcase their ancient history and culture. Visitors to Casino Rama Resort in Rama, are treated to an eight-minute multimedia show, designed and produced by Lester Creative, Inc., of Valencia, CA.

The "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.

The center picture in the top row shows part of the "Surround Theater". The simulated central fire pit masks important lighting and projection equipment. Seven large screens (only three visible on the picture) carry advertising during off-show periods, during the show slides illustrate the story told by the "spirits".

Members of seven clans come to life as spirit masks on huge tree trunks. The effect employs fiber optics and "holographic" video projection. Two of these carved spirits are shown under "normal" lighting (on the left for the fish clan on the right for the turtle clan). With light projection, the image gives the illusion that the clan's spirit has "come to life" as it speaks to the audience. Their lips and eyes are moving. In the bottom row, three of the spirits are shown during the show.

More about Casino Rama Resort in files O040721C.HTM and O060513.HTM

2008/11/09