The Oriental Barrel Mystery A Classic Stage Illusion Revealed. The Oriental Barrel Mystery is a well-crafted stage illusion that combines the elements of surprise, timing, and clever use of props to create a magical effect. In this trick, a performer seemingly makes a young lady disappear from inside a closed barrel, only to have her reappear in another location, often in the gallery above the stage. Here, we’ll delve into the mechanics and sequence of this illusion, explaining how each step is carefully designed to create a captivating mystery for the audience.
The Oriental Barrel Mystery A Classic Stage Illusion Revealed
Overview of the Trick
In the Oriental Barrel Mystery, a barrel placed on a platform is used to make a lady disappear. The illusion is staged with several convincing props, such as a pistol, newspaper, and the barrel, combined with hidden mechanisms and an assistant. The magician’s actions and gestures lead the audience through a sequence that ultimately ends in a jaw-dropping reveal.
The Setup: Props and Stage Preparation
- Platform and Barrel: A raised platform about twelve inches high is set center-stage, with open visibility beneath it to show that no tricks are hiding underneath. A curtain or screen of matching color stands behind the platform.
- Newspaper and Barrel: The magician places a prepared newspaper on the platform. This newspaper, though seemingly ordinary, is reinforced with stiff cardboard and has a hidden trapdoor, allowing the lady to exit without the audience noticing.
- Traps: Both the platform and the stage have trapdoors aligned with each other and the newspaper, enabling the lady to exit the barrel and reach an off-stage area, where she can move to her reappearance location.
The Performance: Step-by-Step Illusion
- Introducing the Lady: The magician introduces the lady, drawing the audience’s attention to her and away from any subtle movements on stage. The assistant lowers a curtain in front of the platform’s legs, creating a temporary barrier that helps obscure the lady’s exit.
- Entering the Barrel: The magician instructs the lady to crouch inside the barrel. The barrel is secured with two hoops (one at the top, one at the bottom) and tied with a string around the center. As the lady crouches, she slips down through the hidden trapdoor in the newspaper, stage, and platform.
- Presenting the Pistol and Hand: The magician hands the lady a pistol and requests her to extend one hand with the pistol out from under the barrel’s lid. This visual reassurance convinces the audience that she remains inside the barrel. In reality, a dummy hand made of a stuffed glove is presented, matching the gloves worn by the lady. The assistant, hidden beneath the stage, raises the dummy hand and pistol using a rod.
- Removing the Hoops: With the lady already beneath the stage and making her way to the gallery, the magician slowly removes the hoops. The performer’s deliberate pace allows the lady time to reach her reappearance spot.
- The Disappearance Act: The magician counts to three, signaling the lady (now positioned in the gallery) to fire the pistol. At that same moment, the assistant pulls back the dummy hand, conceals the pistol, and closes the traps. The magician cuts the string holding the barrel, and it falls apart, appearing empty.
The Barrel’s Construction
The barrel is uniquely designed to facilitate the illusion:
- Bottom Ring: The bottom has a solid wooden rim, with a star trap in the center for the lady’s quick exit.
- Hinged Staves: Each stave (barrel side) is attached to the bottom rim with hinges, allowing the sides to hold together when tied but fall outward when the string is cut.
Final Reveal and Audience Impact
As the barrel collapses, the lady appears in the gallery, dressed in an Eastern costume that adds a mystical aesthetic to the act. This costume change not only emphasizes the exotic theme but also reinforces the illusion’s magical aura.
Conclusion: The Magic Behind The Oriental Barrel Mystery
The Oriental Barrel Mystery is a compelling example of classic illusion techniques. This trick showcases the magician’s use of misdirection, clever mechanics, and seamless timing to create an unforgettable experience for the audience. The intricate combination of prepared props, hidden assistants, and audience engagement all contribute to the illusion’s magical impact, leaving viewers amazed at the performer’s seemingly impossible feat
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