As readers of this Diary know, I, Smallini, the World's Tiniest Magician, have performed variations of Harry Houdini's illusions in the past as part of the Suitcase of Wonders theater show; Two of Houdini's stage illusions that I still perform are the Vanishing Elephant and Water Cell Escape. And two that are still in development are Metamorphosis and Walking Through a Brick Wall.
I have been working on the Wall for the better part of a year. Lately, I have completed construction on the curtain frame, which I briefly stand behind during my transposition from one side of the wall to the other. I designed the frame in Tinkercad and cut it out using the Glowforge laser cutter. The curtain itself still needs to be cut and sewn (the red cloth pictured is temporary).
My version of Walking Through a Brick Wall is predicated on the building of the wall onstage in real time using actual mortar and miniature cement bricks. The construction of the wall takes approximately eight minutes while the audience sits and enjoys refreshments and a live musician. The transposition itself occurs in the blink of an eye, and afterwards I give the wall away to a lucky spectator as a treasured souvenir.
After trying out several methods to accomplish Walking Through a Brick Wall, I've finally set upon one that I think is highly deceptive. In fact, this illusion might be the most deceptive I've ever performed. Anticipated assumptions about the secret of the effect are sure to include trap doors, powered motors (servos), thread, magnets, or even a double (I can assure the world that there is only one Smallini). None of them are employed here.
Despite all the time and effort I've put into this illusion, I don't think it will be performed more than a few times; The cost of materials is too high, and the presentation's unusual length of time prohibit it from becoming a mainstay in my regular act.
Not wanting to have all this work go for close to naught, I've decided to film the performance and make it available for viewing on the world's YouTube. This will be a tricky undertaking as I want to make sure the deceptiveness remains intact within the screen viewing experience. So the performance will have to be shot in one take, and I will have to make sure Mr. Widdle's hands (which build the wall and handle the props) stay in the frame at all times. If I can maintain the high level of deception while also producing an artful and professional experience, I hope Walking Through a Brick Wall will be a proud record of one of my highest magical accomplishments.
I have been working on the Wall for the better part of a year. Lately, I have completed construction on the curtain frame, which I briefly stand behind during my transposition from one side of the wall to the other. I designed the frame in Tinkercad and cut it out using the Glowforge laser cutter. The curtain itself still needs to be cut and sewn (the red cloth pictured is temporary).
My version of Walking Through a Brick Wall is predicated on the building of the wall onstage in real time using actual mortar and miniature cement bricks. The construction of the wall takes approximately eight minutes while the audience sits and enjoys refreshments and a live musician. The transposition itself occurs in the blink of an eye, and afterwards I give the wall away to a lucky spectator as a treasured souvenir.
After trying out several methods to accomplish Walking Through a Brick Wall, I've finally set upon one that I think is highly deceptive. In fact, this illusion might be the most deceptive I've ever performed. Anticipated assumptions about the secret of the effect are sure to include trap doors, powered motors (servos), thread, magnets, or even a double (I can assure the world that there is only one Smallini). None of them are employed here.
Despite all the time and effort I've put into this illusion, I don't think it will be performed more than a few times; The cost of materials is too high, and the presentation's unusual length of time prohibit it from becoming a mainstay in my regular act.
Not wanting to have all this work go for close to naught, I've decided to film the performance and make it available for viewing on the world's YouTube. This will be a tricky undertaking as I want to make sure the deceptiveness remains intact within the screen viewing experience. So the performance will have to be shot in one take, and I will have to make sure Mr. Widdle's hands (which build the wall and handle the props) stay in the frame at all times. If I can maintain the high level of deception while also producing an artful and professional experience, I hope Walking Through a Brick Wall will be a proud record of one of my highest magical accomplishments.