Magic Trick Shrine of Koomra Sami. In this astonishing illusion, a performer places a person in a small cage, which is then surrounded by a larger cage. With a wave of a hand and a few dramatic moments, the individual in the small cage instantly multiplies into three distinct beings: himself, his double, and his astral being, leaving the audience in awe.
Magic Trick Shrine of Koomra Sami
Props Needed
- Large Cage: Approximately six feet high and three and a half feet square, mounted on four small legs with casters for mobility. This cage is open on all sides, allowing visibility from every angle.
- Small Cage: Located in the center of the large cage, measuring twenty inches square and the same height as the large cage. This cage must also be open on all sides.
- Red Curtains: Made of lightweight material, they should be placed at the front and sides of the large cage and operated using spring rollers for quick deployment.
- Green Curtain: A dark green fabric placed at the back of the large cage, behind which the secret is concealed. For a more effective illusion, this curtain can be painted with black stripes to mimic the look of bars.
- Two Assistants: A gentleman and a lady who will assist in the trick by stepping into the cage.
Preparation and Setup
- Stage Setup:
- Position the large cage center stage, ensuring it has a dark green background to create contrast.
- Set up the small cage in the center of the large cage, ensuring both cages have a clear view from the audience.
- Attach the red curtains to the front and sides of the large cage, ensuring they can be pulled down smoothly.
- Concealment Area:
- Position the gentleman and lady behind the green curtain at the back of the large cage, ensuring they have room to move behind the curtain and access the bars.
- Bar Setup:
- If using painted stripes on the green curtain, ensure they resemble the bars of the cage. If bars are included at the back of the cage, ensure they can be moved aside quickly.
Steps to Perform the Trick
- Introduction:
- The performer introduces the large cage to the audience, emphasizing its size and structure, and shows that it contains a smaller cage.
- Placing the Volunteer:
- The performer selects a volunteer to place in the small cage, explaining that they will demonstrate a mystical transformation.
- Curtain Deployment:
- Once the volunteer is inside the small cage, the performer dramatically pulls down the red curtains in front and on the sides of the large cage. This action conceals the audience’s view of what happens next.
- The Secret Action:
- With the red curtains down, the gentleman and lady behind the green curtain quickly lift the curtain at the back and step into the large cage. They should move two or three bars aside, then step back into position behind the green curtain and replace the bars as they exit.
- Revealing the Multiplication:
- After a brief moment, the performer quickly raises the red curtains, revealing the small cage.
- Open the door of the large cage and allow three individuals to step out: the original volunteer and the two assistants who have taken on the roles of the double and the astral being.
- Presentation:
- The performer can then play up the drama, perhaps engaging the audience with questions about which is which or making humorous comments about the experience, further enhancing the illusion.
Explanation of the Mechanics
The Shrine of Koomra Sami uses clever concealment and staging techniques to create the illusion of multiplication:
- Concealment of Assistants: The key to the trick lies in the rapid movement of the assistants behind the green curtain. Their quick entry into the large cage and placement back behind the bars makes it appear as though the original person has multiplied.
- Curtains and Background: The use of red curtains creates a distraction and helps hide the movement behind the green curtain. The dark green background enhances the illusion of depth and makes the assistants less visible as they change places.
- Bars Mechanism: If using bars at the back, they should be easily removable so the assistants can quickly step into position and replace them. This helps maintain the illusion that the small cage is secure and that no one could possibly escape unnoticed.
Tips for Success
- Practice Timing: Ensure all movements are practiced to be quick and seamless, especially when the assistants enter and exit the cage.
- Audience Engagement: Maintain eye contact with the audience and use theatrical gestures to keep their attention away from the mechanics of the trick.
- Conceal the Mechanism: The performers should be aware of their positions to avoid drawing attention to the curtain and the quick actions behind it.
- Build Suspense: Create a narrative around the transformation, engaging the audience with storytelling that captivates their imagination.
Conclusion
The Shrine of Koomra Sami is a captivating magic trick that combines elements of misdirection, skillful staging, and the use of assistants to create a breathtaking illusion. With meticulous preparation and execution, you can leave your audience spellbound by the miraculous multiplication of the individual in the cage.
