Date: Tue, 30 Jul 1996 16:43:24 -0400 (EDT)
From: jdunfee-AT-shadow.net (Joe Dunfee)
Subject: Re: untrue ventriloquism?


>IS IT COMMON TO SEE SOMEONE PERFORMING A VENTRILOQUIST ACT, BUT THEY'RE 
>NOT USING VENTRILOQUISM?  Basically, you can see them moving their mouths 
>and they can turn your attention to the puppet, but is it common 
>to see in today's performances.
>
>John
>
>  --- Personal replies to: The Magician <jfong-AT-wwfactory.com>

  Yes, I have seen it done alot, although they usually don't bill themselves
as a ventrilouist.  I have seen a number of puppeteers, who normally perform
behind a stage, have one segment of their program where they come out front
with the puppet. Being behind a puppet stage makes it harder to really get
in touch with your audience. So this allows them a chance to get closer to them.
  Also, as you have discovered, it doesn't seem to make that much of a
difference that they see the performers mouth moving. If the puppet is well
made ..has a good character... and is well manipulated,  they are perceived
as a living creature apart from the performer. They have the "illusion of
life."  Of course, for adults, this is a "suspension of disbelief" although
for younger children it is almost reality. (I know they can see the
puppeteer manipulating the puppet and talking - but for some reason they
still suspect the puppet is a living creature.)
  The more I think about it - the list I gave above (well made, well
manipulated...) doesn't have to be complete. A well made puppet can have an
illusion of being real, even if the performer is so-so. Likewise a great
manipulator or character portrayal can make a poorly made sock puppet seem
to be alive. If all the elements are great, the "illusion of life" is very
powerful.

Joe Dunfee
Miami, Florida USA



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