At the historic Arsenale of Venice, the vast Darsena Grande was transformed into a spectacular open-air stage for Arsenale Water Show 2026 – The Call of Olympia, one of the highlight events of the Venice Carnival. Blending myth, emotion and cutting-edge technology, the immersive production delivered a powerful visual and sonic experience set against the unique backdrop of the Venetian lagoon.
Running from February 6–8 and February 12–17, 2026, with two evening performances each night, the show—under the artistic direction of Massimo Checchetto and directed by Enrica Crivellaro—follows the story of Alvise, a Venetian fisherman who dreams of immortality. To achieve it, he must face the five elemental trials—Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether—on a journey inspired by the ancient spirit of the Olympic Games.
Lighting the Arsenale
Within the atmospheric setting of the Venetian lagoon, dynamic lighting choreography and projections reflected across the water transformed the Darsena into a mythological landscape.
Because the performance unfolds directly on the water, client Vela S.p.A. required fully weatherproof lighting fixtures from technical partner Titan Sound & Light.
At the core of the lighting design were 58 Xtylos Aqua fixtures, selected for their power, razor-sharp beam and reliability in outdoor environments. The rig—entirely from Claypaky—also included 24 K15 Aqua, 12 Arolla Aqua, 24 Volero Cube, 50 Tambora Flash, and 10 Volero Batten Aqua units.
The fixtures were strategically distributed to enhance both the on-water action and the audience experience in the grandstand. Xtylos and K15 units positioned on the pier illuminated performers and floating platforms, while Arolla Aqua and Volero Cube fixtures installed on the stands surrounded the audience in light. Tambora Flash units were used for architectural lighting, and Volero Batten Aqua fixtures installed on the arrival tower added structure and scenic depth to the stage environment.
“Working in the Arsenale means dealing with a space that is both breathtaking and technically challenging,” explains Manuel D’Angelo, technical and project manager for audio, lighting, networking and communications systems. “IP66 fixtures were essential. We needed robust equipment, excellent beam quality, and above all complete operational reliability in a humid and saline environment like the Venetian lagoon.”
A 1,000 m² Network Infrastructure
To cover an area of around 1,000 square meters, the technical team deployed seven control stations, each equipped with a NETGEAR M4250 AV Line switch and three ELC Lighting NodeGBx 8 nodes.
All stations were interconnected using single-mode fiber, a necessary choice given that several cable runs exceeded 250 meters.
“We chose Netgear switches because of the flexibility of the system, which also allows us to manage the preamplifiers,” D’Angelo adds. “Fiber distribution ensured stability and extremely low latency—critical when lighting, audio and communications must operate together in real time across such a large space.”
For communications, the Green‑GO Intercom System allowed multiple antenna points to be deployed, ensuring reliable coverage and seamless coordination between the control room, the pier and the technical towers.
Technology in Service of Storytelling
The production brought together a creative team led by technical director Filippo Scalzotto and lighting designer Tommaso Zappon (Moon Light), with video design by Zuth F. Venanzoni.
The project stands as a compelling example for event producers and technical partners alike: the integration of next-generation IP-rated lighting fixtures, dedicated AV networking infrastructure and advanced intercom systems—successfully deployed in a demanding outdoor environment to deliver a high-impact, fully immersive audience experience.
Credits
Client and Production Management: Vela S.p.A.
Technical Director: Filippo Scalzotto
Lighting Designer: Tommaso Zappon – Moon Light
Video Design: Zuth F. Venanzoni
Technical / Project Manager (audio, lighting, networking, communications): Manuel D’Angelo
Technical Assistant: Fabio Borgo
Audio & Lighting Service Provider: Titan Sound & Light
