Ahead of its new season, we visited G5A Warehouse to find out what's new

A venue for the performing arts never looks the same during its off season There is a quiet studiousness about it that is different from the hectic vibe of a performance weekend Yet something was brewing beneath all that quiet at G5Arsquos Warehouse space in Mahalaxmi when we made our visit last week during their zero period Sound engineer David Pinto is at work with several members of the curation team as they plan the new season that begins on October 4ldquoZero period is our time for preparation and upgrades There are quite a few things happening this yearrdquo shares Ishan Benegal artistic director and curator of the space Among the key upgrades is the new console and technology that will fortify the ambient sound of the performance space It is something the Warehouse has been working towards since its inception in 2015 Benegal revealsThe new upgraded consoleldquoOne of the main reasons for the delay was the lack of space and the other factor was budget Now we are finally ready to upgrade and the technology has also evolved alongsiderdquo he remarks over a phone conversation as he is travelling As we walk down the stairs towards the stage Pinto points to the new speakers running along the side and says ldquoWe have added speakers behind the stage as well as along the sides Each speaker now is within limits but provides more sonic clarityrdquoThe console mdash an Allen and Heath Avantis mdash stands on the platform facing the vast main stage of the hall Having worked with the old console for eight years the sound engineer reveals that despite its efficiency there was a need for an upgrade ldquoThe previous console would provide us with 441 hz sound effective for CD clarity This one captures it in 96 hz studio quality It inherently increases the audio quality Secondly it will be able to handle a lot more in terms of sound when it comes to live performancesrdquo he sharesNew additional speakers placed adjacent to the stage provide an ambient effectSuch upgrades are essential considering the multifaceted nature of the space ldquoMy personal view is that technology designed for a theatrical stage does not always capture the complete sense of musical performances and vice versa The objective was to find the sweet spot for the different performancesrdquo Pinto points outItrsquos a useful addition for the upcoming season Benegal adds ldquoThe new system fits the existing space without having to alter anything It also syncs with our incoming DCP Digital Cinema ProjectionrdquoThe terrace and right cafeacute are set to undergo changes in the futureThe DCP is another major upgrade this year particularly on view of its Cinema House which began in 2021 It was a suggestion that came from producer Nikkhil Advani and founder Anuradha Parikh on the advisory board reveals Pinto It the DCP is a tremendous help when it comes to film screenings It simplifies and streamlines the process while also ensuring securityrdquo Benegal notes The DCP software offers key authorisation for a limited period preventing any unauthorised streaming of films It protects data while also enhancing the qualityThe system which requires a separate room will be set up in the upgraded gala area behind the main stage Pinto shares that the space is being renovated and the system is expected to arrive later this week in time for the first artistinresidence session by Kutiyattam and Nangiar Koothu performerKapila VenuDavid Pinto Anuradha Parikh and Ishan BenegalParikh adds ldquoFrom the beginning we have always encouraged work that is multidisciplinary and explores concepts and elements from new media With this new equipment we hope to reinforce it and nudge artistes to push their boundaries furtherrdquoThe auditorium is also exploring ideas to transform the physical space Pinto shares that the team is looking at fabrication for the terrace that will enable them to host performances in the monsoon ldquoWe hope to give it a touch of sophistication without losing the intimacy it offersrdquo he notes There are also talks to open up the Port Kitchen amp Barrsquos doors to introduce standing room options to patrons But these are still at nascent stages of ideation he saysThe terrace of G5A WarehouseFor now the focus is on the new season In addition to Venursquos weeklong residency and talks Benegal adds that the season will look to reinforce ideas that align with their values With the annual art festival in December Should Art 2023 on the horizon Parikh summarises things ldquoMy hope is that we can together learn and strengthen this ecosystem into one that is more vibrant equitable and courageousrdquoFrom October 4 to October 8At G5A Warehouse Shakti Mills Lane Laxmi Mills Estate Mahalaxmi WestLog on to g5afoundation or insiderin