Technical Analysis of Integrated LED Automated Lighting Systems in Theatrical Productions: A Comparative Study of Saro the Musical and Death and the King’s Horseman

Abstract

Stage lighting has evolved from technical necessity to critical storytelling tool, yet integrated system engineering in non-Western contexts remain underexplored. This study addresses the afore-mentioned gap through comparative analysis of lighting systems in two Nigerian productions, Saro the Musical (2023) and Death and the King’s Horseman (2021) both staged at Terra Kulture, Lagos. A mixed-method engineering approach was employed based on the McCandless Briggs framework. Quantitative methods included; comprehensive equipment inventory, in-situ illuminance measurements (Konica Minolta T-10A) across nine grid positions (n=9 repeated across 3 performances), power consumption monitoring (Fluke 345, ± 2% accuracy), and DMX512 latency analysis (Tektronix MDO3000, ±0.1 ms resolution). Results revealed maximum power consumption of 18.45 kW (±0.37 kW, 95% Cl) for Saro and 14.18 kW (±0.28 kW) for Death, with LED adoption yielding 62–70% energy reductions and respective annual CO₂ savings of 1,040 kg and 1,265 kg respectively. Illuminance ranged from 650–850 lux (±8-12 lux measurement uncertainty), with dynamic contrast ratios up to 43.3:1 and uniform stage coverage (min/max = 0.28). DMX system latency averaged 47 ms (±4.2 ms, n=498 cues) with jitter of 3.1 ms (σ) and zero packet loss, complying with ESTA E1.11 and ANSI E1.20 standards. Thermal load reduction of 8°C (±1.2°C) decreased HVAC demand by 25%. A predictive power regression model (R2 = 0.89) was developed: P = 6.2 + 0.31C + 0.08M, where C = cue density (cues/min) and M = number of moving heads. Sensitivity analysis revealed that a 10% increase in grid emission factor or 15% fixture lumen depreciation would alter CO2 savings by 8% and ±6% respectively. The study concludes that integrated LED and DMX-controlled systems achieve enhanced visual storytelling, substantial reductions in energy and CO2 emissions, and operational flexibility within Nigerian theatre contexts. A standardized engineering framework for sustainable entertainment lighting is established, supporting future cross-contextual evaluation and professional alignment with global technical standards.