JAPAN: Disney’s The Little Mermaid has been running for more than 15 consecutive years with Shiki Theatre Company, one of Japan’s leading theatre producers, which operates 11 theatres across the country. As the production enters its 16th year, Sixty82 Doughty Japan (SDJ) – the dedicated Japanese sales and distribution branch associated with SIXTY82 Doughty Asia (SDA) – together with partner STS, has delivered a new performer flying system to replace the existing installation.

Designed for the production’s demanding performance schedule, which includes two shows a day on many weekends, the new system is engineered to provide the performance and reliability required for sustained operation.

The Performer Fly System comprises five TPM29S trusses and five winches, enabling five performers to be lifted and moved horizontally across the stage. The complete system is operated through rack-mounted inverters and the STS control platform.

The installation incorporates a 21-metre double traveller truss with two lifting winches, alongside three single traveller trusses. The system achieves vertical and traverse speeds of up to 2,000 mm/s, with a Safe Working Load of 100 kg.

Special coat hangers allow performers to move horizontally and vertically while rotating through 360 degrees, supporting the aerial movement required by the production. The control system can also be accessed remotely, enabling system monitoring and troubleshooting from any location with an internet connection.

The replacement system gives the long-running production an updated performer-flying infrastructure while retaining the operational flexibility required for repeated performances over an extended schedule.