TOMCAT USA - a Force of Destiny

Wednesday, July 27, 2005 || TOMCAT Global

In June TOMCAT USA completed a custom project for the San Francisco Opera. The tetrahedral barrier was designed and built for their production of La Forza del Destino which is scheduled to run in November.

The components of this special barrier are three 37' legs of custom medium duty spigoted truss (each 37' leg consists of 3 sections of custom spigoted MD approx. - 12'3"). These legs are connected with slew rings in the center of each section, including spring loaded pins that lock each section into place when they twist. The chords of the truss were constructed with box tube, making it easier to connect the cladding set pieces to be created in house at the Opera.

Custom stage sockets were another part of this project. They allow the barrier’s legs to lock into the stage floor, after it is lowered from the grid. The design allows the legs to rotate as it is lowered, revealing stairs on one of the legs – allowing performers to move to and from the top of the barrier.

This project marks the third time that TOMCAT USA has helped create set pieces for the San Francisco Opera. From rock concerts, to touring Broadway productions, to world-class opera productions, TOMCAT does it all!