Stage setup for NDP 2009 allows spectators to get closer to performers



SINGAPORE: A new stage setup at this year's National Day Parade will allow spectators to get up close and personal with performers. The theme of this year's National Day Parade is "Come Together, Reaching Out, Reaching Up". Organisers are taking the theme quite literally by moving the stage 20 metres forward and some nine storeys upwards. But performers won't be seen on the floating platform as it will be used as a holding area instead. The show will be moved up four metres up above the original floating platform stage. Other changes also include a new performance grid and an LED screen. The cubic grid consists of two portions, each measuring eight cubes high and seven cubes wide. Each grid is six storeys high and will be equipped with three scene-changing screens. Performers can switch from scene to scene with a simple pull of the blinds. The LED screen located between the grids will project images in tandem with the performances. The stage structure is about 80 per cent complete. When ready, it can hold 1,500 people. Organisers said ensuring the safety of the performers is a priority. LTC Peter Tay, chairman, Infrastructure and Decoration, National Day Parade 2009, said: "They are equipped with a safety harness hooked on to a secured tow line. And for every two grids, there is a safety officer to look out for them." Organisers have also put in place several measures to deal with wet weather conditions. Randy Tan, architect, National Day Parade 2009, said: "As a standard operating procedure, for example like staircases, places like ramps, there is this non-slip component added to it. So that's one way we look at dealing with weather." The new stage will have three more entrances to allow performers to make a dramatic entrance