Thursday, November 2nd -7 p.m.
The Phantasmagoria: the Hidden Workings of an 18th-Century Magic Lantern Show
Join Magic lanternist performer Joel Schlemowitz as he gives an illustrated lecture on the technical and cultural history of the phantasmagoria.
In 18th-century Paris, showman and scientist Etienne-Gaspard Robertson caused a sensation with his magic lantern performances, known as the Fantasmagorie.
It was a true “multi-media” event of its time, using a magic lantern with wheels and track to cause images to grow larger on a screen to frighten audiences.
Other innovations included the projection of opaque objects and puppets, the use of shadowplay, live theatrical sound effects, and eerie music.
Fee: $10; $8 seniors. Members free. Check is to be payable to the Friends of Rock Hall. Space limited. Reservations required.