In 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 standout events of the Venice Carnival.
Blending mythology, emotion and cutting-edge technology, this immersive production delivered a powerful visual and sonic experience in the incomparable setting of the Venetian lagoon.
The show — under the artistic direction of Massimo Checchetto and directed by Enrica Crivellaro — tells the story of Alvise, a Venetian fisherman who dreams of achieving immortality. To succeed, he must face the five elemental trials — Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether — in a journey inspired by the ancient spirit of the Olympic Games.
 |
 |
Lighting up the Arsenale
Within the unique atmosphere of the Venetian lagoon, dynamic lighting choreography and projections reflected across the water transformed the Darsena into a true mythological landscape.
As the performance took place directly on the water, client Vela S.p.A. requested fully weatherproof luminaires through technical partner Titan Sound & Light.
At the core of the lighting design were 58 Xtylos Aqua fixtures, selected for their output power, extremely precise beam and reliability in outdoor environments. The rig — composed entirely of Claypaky equipment — also included 24 HY B-EYE K15 Aqua units, 12 Arolla Aqua fixtures, 24 Volero Cube units, 50 Tambora Flash fixtures and 10 Volero Batten Aqua luminaires.
The fixtures were strategically positioned to enhance both the on-water action and the audience experience in the grandstands. The Xtylos and K15 units, installed along the dock, illuminated performers and floating platforms, while the Arolla Aqua and Volero Cube fixtures placed within the seating areas immersed the audience in light. Tambora Flash fixtures were used for architectural lighting, while the Volero Batten Aqua units installed on the arrival tower added structure and scenic depth to the stage environment.
Working at the Arsenale means dealing with a venue that is as breathtaking as it is technically complex. IP66-rated fixtures were essential. We needed robust equipment, outstanding beam quality and, above all, complete operational reliability in a humid and saline environment such as the Venetian lagoon, explains Manuel D’Angelo, technical and project manager for the audio, lighting, networking and communications systems.
A 1,000 m² networking infrastructure
To cover an area of approximately 1,000 square metres, 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 via single-mode fibre, a necessary choice given that several cable runs exceeded 250 metres.
We chose NETGEAR switches because of the system’s flexibility, which also allows us to manage the preamps. The fibre distribution ensured stability and extremely low latency, which is crucial when lighting, audio and communications must operate together in real time across such a large space, adds D’Angelo.
For communications, the Green-GO Intercom system enabled the deployment of multiple antenna points, ensuring reliable coverage and seamless coordination between the control room, dock and technical towers.
Technology serving the narrative
The production brought together a creative team led by technical director Filippo Scalzotto and lighting designer Tommaso Zappon (Moon Light), alongside video designer Zuth F. Venanzoni.
The project stands as a benchmark example for both event producers and technical partners: the integration of next-generation IP-rated lighting fixtures, a dedicated AV networking infrastructure and advanced intercom systems, successfully deployed in a demanding outdoor environment to deliver a highly immersive and impactful 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 and communications): Manuel D’Angelo
- Technical assistant: Fabio Borgo
- Audio and lighting supplier: Titan Sound & Light
