How do you light a 6.5-metre-high image on a huge, curved, moving set without a single visible shadow? For Scottish Opera's The Great Wave, lighting designer Yuka Hisamatsu turned to Capture. In her words: “This production relied heavily on Capture throughout the design and realisation process, and I can confidently say that the scale and complexity of the work would have been significantly more challenging without it.’’
Showcase background
The “Great Wave off Kanagawa’’, originally painted by Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai has been one of the world’s most reproduced artworks. The Scottish Opera decided to bring the Great Wave on stage in Glasgow and Edinburgh in February 2026, directed by Satoshi Miyagi. Find out more about the show here: https://www.scottishopera.org.uk/shows/the-great-wave/
The challenge
The scenography featured a large-scale abstract structure that moved between multiple positions and functioned as different environments across the opera. Because of its scale and curvature, the set itself created significant lighting obstructions.
Using Capture, Yuka was able to import scenographic DWG files and test lighting feasibility for each scenic position, identifying where illumination was physically possible and where the structure blocked key angles.
This was particularly critical for the central “Great Wave” scene, which required a 6.5-metre-high, 10-metre-wide image to be revealed without visible shadow. Capture allowed precise verification of projection angles, front-light positions, and fixture requirements well before entering the theatre.
Design and presentation
More than a year before opening night, Yuka used Capture for two design presentations. Renderings and plots generated directly from the visualisation environment helped communicate the visual concept clearly to the director, scenographer, and production team, providing confidence in lighting decisions at an early stage.
In rehearsal
During rehearsals, a physical lighting console was connected to Capture, enabling real-time visualisation of lighting ideas as scenic positions were explored in the room. This significantly improved collaboration and reduced the usual delay between rehearsal development and lighting realisation.
Using visualisation, Yuka was able to track scenic movement through scenes while maintaining console operation. This approach made it possible to monitor fixture coverage from a top view as the set moved and to refine focus without requiring physical scenic transitions on stage, saving valuable technical rehearsal time.
Key features
Yuka pointed out the most impactful Capture features for this production, namely:
- Rendering Accuracy: For angle and beam distribution.
- Scene Management: For moving scenic configurations.
- Plot Functionality: Streamlined documentation alongside the visualisation process.
“Capture was not simply a visualisation tool for this production, but a central part of the creative and technical workflow. It enabled spatial understanding, supported communication across departments, and allowed key lighting decisions to be made with confidence long before entering the theatre. I can no longer imagine working without it.’’ — Yuka Hisamatsu, Lighting Designer
Production details
The Great Wave (World Premiere)
Scottish Opera
Theatre Royal Glasgow — 12 & 14 February 2026
Festival Theatre Edinburgh — 19 & 21 February 2026
Lighting Designer: Yuka Hisamatsu
Music: Dai Fujikura
Libretto: Harry Ross
Conductor: Stuart Stratford
Director: Satoshi Miyagi
Scenographer: Junpei Kiz
Costume Designer: Kayo Takahashi Deschene
Props Designer: Eri Fukasawa
Video Designer: Sho Yamaguchi
Choreographer: Akiko Kitamura
Check out more of Yuka’s work here: https://www.yukahisamatsu.com
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