Unveiling a Modern Masterpiece: Vivisectioned by Mark Parker

Step into the mind of a master illusionist with 'Vivisectioned by Mark Parker,' a definitive manuscript that redefines one of magic's most iconic and unsettling illusions: the Thurston Vivisection. Originally conceived by Morrell Massey and famously presented by Howard Thurston, this classic effect has been reimagined and meticulously detailed by Mark Parker, offering performers an unprecedented look into its construction and presentation. This isn't just a historical recounting; it's a comprehensive guide to building and performing a truly baffling modern circular apparatus, designed to leave your audience gasping in disbelief.

The Illusion Revealed: A Spectacle of Disbelief

Imagine this: a performer displays a sleek, circular apparatus on stage. An assistant enters, her head emerging from the top, her lower legs visible outside the frame. Strong LED lights illuminate the interior, demonstrating a complete see-through area, assuring the audience there's nowhere to hide. Then, with a chilling swiftness, two solid metal blades are inserted – one into her neck area, the second just above her knees – seemingly severing her body. The true shock comes next. Her fingers twitch, a smile appears. But the performer isn't done. The front panel rotates 90 degrees, astonishingly twisting her torso and upper legs away from her head and lower legs, creating an impossible visual. The illusion culminates as the entire frame is rotated further, leaving her in a truly bizarre, distorted state. Mark Parker's design facilitates this series of impossible transformations, ensuring a maximum impact performance every time.

From Concept to Construction: Your Workshop Guide

Mark Parker's journey to creating this updated Vivisection apparatus began in 2003, driven by a desire to craft a more practical version of the original Massey/Thurston illusion. This manuscript is not merely a description; it's a comprehensive design insight into Parker's thought process, providing you with everything needed to develop a detailed workshop plan. Whether you're a seasoned builder or an ambitious performer, this guide empowers you to construct your own modern Vivisection apparatus. Delve into the intricate details of its engineering, understand the subtle nuances that make it so deceptive, and learn the historical context that gives this illusion its legendary status. Also included are fascinating tidbits like Massey's original payment for the idea and available patent information for the truly curious. 'Vivisectioned by Mark Parker' is more than a book; it's an invitation to bring a piece of magic history, re-engineered for the modern stage, to life.

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.