Impaled (illusion)
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Impaled is a classic stage illusion in which a performer appears to be impaled on or by a sword or pole. The name is most commonly associated with an illusion that was created by designer Ken Whitaker in the 1970s and which is sometimes also referred to as "Beyond Belief" or "Impaled Beyond Belief".[1][2] This version has become part of the stage magic repertoire and has been performed by many of the world's most famous magic acts.
Australian-born magician Les Levante (1892-1978) is also credited with devising an impalement illusion but this was different from Whitaker's.
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[edit] Description of the Whitaker effect
Presentations of the effect vary but a typical one is as follows. The magician presents a stand, placed stage centre, which supports a sword in a vertical position with the sharpened tip pointing upwards. An assistant is introduced and the magician (sometimes with the help of additional assistants) picks her up and balances her in a supine position on the tip of the sword. The assistant holds her body rigidly horizontal and the small of her back rests on the tip of the sword. The magician then grasps the assistant's feet and rotates her on the sword tip. After spinning freely for a few turns the assistant sinks downwards, as if she has been impaled. As she drops her body goes limp so that she appears to hang lifelessly. The magician then appears to revive her with a kiss or with some magical gesture before lifting her from the sword and placing her back on her feet so that she can be seen to be unharmed.[3]
[edit] Illusionists known for performing the trick
David Copperfield performs the illusion on himself, as did Wayne Dobson and Simon Drake. The Pendragons' performance is particularly noted, and is presented as being a "balancing feat". After being impaled, Charlotte is revived by a kiss, in the manner of Sleeping Beauty. It is also noted for the brevity of her costume, which is apparently intended to suggest the impossibility of the illusion.
[edit] Variations on Whitaker's basic illusion
Together with Craig Browning, Ken Whitaker developed a version of the illusion in which the assistant appears to be "impaled" on a water fountain.[1] Other versions feature neon lights or poles in place of the sword. Magician Erix Logan has performed a version in which his assistant is impaled on one of the blades of a giant pair of scissors.
In some versions the sword or pole can be separated from its supporting stand so that the magician can, by means such as tapping it, show audiences it is solid and apparently genuine.
There are several different underlying methods for providing the driving force to operate the prop. As with many classic illusions there are numerous copies and imitations of the original props on the market. Well-engineered props are particularly important with this illusion for safety reasons. Because of the assistant's posture during the main part of the performance there is a risk of injury if the prop does not function correctly, a risk which can be substantial in the case of cheaply made props.
[edit] References
- ^ a b Illusion Hotline: Who owns the rights. MagicAuction.com. Retrieved on 2008-05-18.
- ^ Resource Information compiled by Steve Zigmont of MagicFX. Foster Entertainment. Retrieved on 2008-05-18.
- ^ Impaled. Wellington Enterprises. Retrieved on 2008-05-19.
