Context: All theatre is an illusion. We accept things we know not to be true and talk about a 'willing suspension of disbelief'- an unspoken agreement between performer and audience that for the duration of the performance an altered reality will exist. It is a fine line between special effects and magical illusion. Although some of the best illusions are the simplest, audiences used to the spectacular nature of film effects have become very sophisticated in their demands. Magical skill comes from the performer allowing us to experience a sense of wonder. Just for a moment we are unable to believe our eyes and enjoy an escape from our rational mind.
Did you know? There are said to be only seven types of illusion: Levitation and Production being the two Joe Dixon talks about here. The other five are Vanish, Transportation, Restoration, Teleportation and Penetration.
