A Modern Take on a Classic Illusion

Step into the intriguing world of grand illusions with 'Vivisectioned by Mark Parker,' an insightful ebook offering a fresh perspective on the iconic Thurston Vivisection Illusion. Originally conceived by Morrell Massey and popularized by Howard Thurston, this classic effect receives a masterful update from illusionist Mark Parker. This digital download isn't just a guide; it's a comprehensive design deep-dive, presenting Parker's innovative approach to making this classic more practical and visually stunning for today's stage.

The Illusion Revealed: A Journey of Astonishment

Imagine this: A modern, circular apparatus stands center stage. An assistant gracefully enters, her head emerging from the top, her lower legs visible beneath the frame. But then, the magic begins. Two strong LED light rings inside the frame illuminate the area, allowing for complete transparency, a feature the performer demonstrates by walking around the back. Two solid metal blades are introduced. With breathtaking speed, one blade is inserted into the assistant's neck area, seemingly slicing her head clean off. A second blade pierces just above her knees. The audience gasps, but moments later, her fingers move, a smile graces her face! The performer then rotates the front panel 90 degrees, astonishingly separating her torso and upper legs from her head and lower limbs, all while maintaining a clear view through the apparatus. The final, bizarre distortion sees the performer pulling her head and the entire frame 90 degrees in the opposite direction, leaving the assistant in an impossibly contorted state.

Behind Mark Parker's Genius

Mark Parker's journey to reinvent this illusion began in 2003, sparked by a conversation with Scott Penrose and a visit to The Magic Circle headquarters to view the original Thurston Vivisection apparatus. Tasked with designing a more practical version, Parker meticulously crafted the insights detailed in this manuscript. It's a testament to his ingenuity and understanding of illusion mechanics, offering aspiring illusionists and builders a clear pathway to constructing this mind-bending effect.

What This Ebook Offers

This manuscript provides a comprehensive design blueprint, empowering you to create a detailed workshop plan for Parker's Vivisection Illusion. Beyond the technical drawings and explanations, you'll also find fascinating historical context, including details on Morrell Massey's original 1933 invention 'Head Over Heels,' its presentation to Thurston, and compelling patent information for the curious reader. Delve into the secrets and engineering of one's of magic's most legendary illusions, updated for the modern era.

Original Specs

A NEW LOOK AT THE

THURSTON VIVISECTION ILLUSION

A MODERN CIRCULAR APPARATUS IS DISPLAYED BY THE PERFORMER ON STAGE. THE PERFORMER INTRODUCES HIS ASSISTANT & SHE ENTERS THE APPARATUS FROM THE REAR, PUSHING HER HEAD OUT OF THE TOP WHERE IT WILL REMAIN FOR THE DURATION OF THE ILLUSION.

A FRONT PANEL PREVIOUSLY RESTING AGAINST THE FRAME IS LIFTED AWAY SHOWING THE GIRL'S LOWER LEGS OUTSIDE OF THE CIRCULAR FRAME. THE UPPER LEGS & TORSO ARE SEEN TO BE COMPLETELY INSIDE THE CIRCULAR FRAME. THE PANEL IS NOW LOCKED INTO POSITION, THUS COVERING THIS VIEW.

AT THIS POINT THE ASSISTANT'S FINGERS ARE SEEN TO PROTRUDE THROUGH A SMALL APERTURE ON THE PANEL FACE. AGAIN, THESE WILL REMAIN IN FULL VIEW THROUGHOUT THE PERFORMANCE.

BEFORE CONTINUING FURTHER, THE PERFORMER SWITCHES ON TWO RINGS OF STRONG LED LIGHTS FITTED ON THE INSIDE FACE OF THE CIRCULAR FRAME FULLY ILLUMINATING THE AREA AROUND THE ASSISTANTS' BODY. BY DOING THIS IT FACILITATES A COMPLETE SEE-THROUGH AREA AT ALL TIMES, THE PERFORMER WALKS AROUND THE BACK OF THE ILLUSION TO DEMONSTRATE THIS FURTHER.

THE PERFORMER INTRODUCES TWO METAL BLADES & SHOWS THEM TO BE SOLID. MUCH THE SURPRISE OF THE AUDIENCE HE INSERTS ONE AT GREAT SPEED INTO HER NECK AREA, APPARENTLY SLICING OFF THE ASSISTANT'S HEAD. THE SECOND BLADE IS INSERTED JUST ABOVE THE KNEES TO SLICE THIS AREA.

AFTER A SHORT MOMENT TO ALLOW THE AUDIENCE TO REGISTER FULLY WHAT HAS HAPPENED, THE ASSISTANT'S FINGERS START TO MOVE & SHE RAISES A SMILE. NOT CONTENT WITH THIS, THE PERFORMER TAKES HOLD OF THE FRONT PANEL & ROTATES IT 90 DEGREES CREATING A VERY BAFFLING ILLUSION WHERE HER TORSO & UPPER LEGS ARE COMPLETELY ROTATED AWAY FROM HER HEAD & LOWER LEGS. THE AREAS AROUND THE TORSO ARE AGAIN DEMONSTRATED TO BE COMPLETELY SEE THROUGH..

THE FINAL STAGE OF THIS DISTORTION CONTINUES WITH THE PERFORMER TAKING HOLD OF HER HEAD & PULLING THE WHOLE CIRCULAR FRAME 90 DEGREES IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION, LEAVING HER IN THIS MOST BIZARRE SITUATION.