Technical Analysis of Integrated LED Automated Lighting Systems in Theatrical Productions: A Comparative Study of Saro the Musical and Death and the King’s Horseman
| dc.contributor.author | SHUAIB Shadiat Olapeju | |
| dc.contributor.author | RAFIU Jamiu Mohammed | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2026-05-01T20:18:19Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2026-05-01T20:18:19Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2025-12 | |
| dc.description.abstract | Stage lighting has evolved from technical necessity to critical storytelling tool, yet integrated system engineering in non-Western contexts remain underexplored. This study addresses the afore-mentioned gap through comparative analysis of lighting systems in two Nigerian productions, Saro the Musical (2023) and Death and the King’s Horseman (2021) both staged at Terra Kulture, Lagos. A mixed-method engineering approach was employed based on the McCandless Briggs framework. Quantitative methods included; comprehensive equipment inventory, in-situ illuminance measurements (Konica Minolta T-10A) across nine grid positions (n=9 repeated across 3 performances), power consumption monitoring (Fluke 345, ± 2% accuracy), and DMX512 latency analysis (Tektronix MDO3000, ±0.1 ms resolution). Results revealed maximum power consumption of 18.45 kW (±0.37 kW, 95% Cl) for Saro and 14.18 kW (±0.28 kW) for Death, with LED adoption yielding 62–70% energy reductions and respective annual CO₂ savings of 1,040 kg and 1,265 kg respectively. Illuminance ranged from 650–850 lux (±8-12 lux measurement uncertainty), with dynamic contrast ratios up to 43.3:1 and uniform stage coverage (min/max = 0.28). DMX system latency averaged 47 ms (±4.2 ms, n=498 cues) with jitter of 3.1 ms (σ) and zero packet loss, complying with ESTA E1.11 and ANSI E1.20 standards. Thermal load reduction of 8°C (±1.2°C) decreased HVAC demand by 25%. A predictive power regression model (R2 = 0.89) was developed: P = 6.2 + 0.31C + 0.08M, where C = cue density (cues/min) and M = number of moving heads. Sensitivity analysis revealed that a 10% increase in grid emission factor or 15% fixture lumen depreciation would alter CO2 savings by 8% and ±6% respectively. The study concludes that integrated LED and DMX-controlled systems achieve enhanced visual storytelling, substantial reductions in energy and CO2 emissions, and operational flexibility within Nigerian theatre contexts. A standardized engineering framework for sustainable entertainment lighting is established, supporting future cross-contextual evaluation and professional alignment with global technical standards. | |
| dc.identifier.citation | Shuaib, S.O & Rafiu, J. M. (2025): Technical Analysis of Integrated LED Automated Lighting Systems in Theatrical Productions: A Comparative Study of Saro the Musical and Death and the King’s Horseman. The Nigerian Journal of Technological Development, 22(5) 49-52. Published by Faculty of Engineering and Technology, University of Ilorin. | |
| dc.identifier.issn | 2437-2110 | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://uilspace.unilorin.edu.ng/handle/123456789/17865 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | Faculty of Engineering and Technology, University of Ilorin. | |
| dc.relation.ispartofseries | 22; 5 | |
| dc.subject | Stage lighting engineering | |
| dc.subject | LED technology | |
| dc.subject | DMX control | |
| dc.subject | projection mapping | |
| dc.subject | theatrical lighting systems | |
| dc.subject | sustainable entertainment technology | |
| dc.subject | quantitative lighting analysis.. | |
| dc.title | Technical Analysis of Integrated LED Automated Lighting Systems in Theatrical Productions: A Comparative Study of Saro the Musical and Death and the King’s Horseman | |
| dc.type | Article |