De Roma —originally Kinema Roma— is one of Antwerp’s most iconic and beloved music venues, and it has just updated its house rig with new Robe moving lights: 12 LEDBeam 150s, 12 LEDBeam 350s and 24 TX1 PosiProfiles.
The selection was made by lighting technicians Hans Lodewijckx and Roy Nonneman, and the equipment was supplied by Controllux, Robe’s distributor in the Benelux.
The venue’s magnificent art deco building, located in the lively Borgerhout district, was designed by Alphonse Pauwels and originally built in 1927, opening as a 2,000-seat cinema, then the largest in Antwerp. The main entrance was remodelled in 1958 by architect Rie Haan, and in the 1970s the venue became a popular stop on the European touring circuit until its closure in 1982. Twenty years later, the building was granted heritage status and reopened in May 2003 as a cultural centre and performance space, following an initial restoration carried out by volunteers.
Hans and Roy both work there full time, and Hans is now in his third season since returning to De Roma. Before this, he had worked there 15 years ago, until he left to gain more experience in the tough world of freelancing. He returned after COVID, looking to spend more time in one place and less on the road, while still doing the job he loves.
When he came back in 2022, the decision to upgrade the stage lighting to LED sources had already been made. When he originally left, the venue’s first moving lights —Robe 600E Spots— had just been installed, and they were still working when he returned! In that time, six LEDBeam 150s had also been added to the rig, and the front bridge still held 19 ageing 2K profiles.
When choosing new LED replacement fixtures, Hans and Roy wanted a brand with a solid track record for reliability that would meet their needs, and they were completely free to choose. They also wanted something rider-friendly so that visiting lighting designers using the house rig would be satisfied.
Controllux account manager Philip Spittael showed them a wide range of Robe products, and they also compared proposals from three other brands before deciding to go with Robe. The Robe TX1 PosiProfiles replaced the old 2K front profiles, offering a high-quality, far more flexible alternative with greater output and an excellent CRI for key lighting.
The colours are impeccable. Although we don’t do much theatre, designers from that world are often reluctant to switch to LED, but those who have worked here with the TX1 have been delighted. To satisfy those demanding professionals, this fixture was the obvious choice, Hans explains.
The LEDBeams —both the 150s and the 350s— are part of De Roma’s standard rig. Most lighting designers arriving with touring bands or shows need solid wash and beam fixtures that can be easily integrated into their show files, so LEDBeams are the perfect choice.
The new fixtures have already made a significant difference to the look of the shows, and the reaction from incoming productions has been positive. People love the power and quality of the TX1’s output, and just two units are enough to wash the entire stage.
Speaking about Robe as a brand, Hans considers their products to be stable and reliable, with guaranteed colour consistency. “You know you’ll be able to deliver a good show with a Robe rig”, he says. And of course, having a good relationship with the local distributor is essential.
De Roma produces between 20 and 25 shows per month, so turnover and variety are high. They also screen films regularly, sometimes with several movies in a single day, so there is always something happening.
The venue is a social and cultural hub in Borgerhout, offering rock, pop, jazz and other genres with both local and international artists. It also has an on-site restaurant and a smaller, intimate space for 50 to 100 people, plus a foyer area that can accommodate 300 when needed. The main hall maintains its original capacity: 2,000 standing or 1,250 seated.
High production values are a core part of De Roma’s identity, positioning it as one of Belgium’s leading music venues. They welcome freelancers and artists from all backgrounds and promote an atmosphere of tolerance, inclusion and diversity for everyone involved in this innovative, charismatic and pioneering performance and entertainment space.
