Silks are the ideal stage props. They are large and colorful but can still be stored in tiny places. Many stage production acts end with a flurry of appearing silks. That is not to say that silks aren't effective close-up. Think about Slydini's silks or the classic vanishing and reappearing silk.
Effect: Performer shows a yellow 9” silk. Spectator is asked to sign the silk for future identification. Performer says that he will vanish the silk with the spectator's help. Something goes "wrong" and the silk does not
vanish, instead it changes to
This is Slydini's version of the Silk in the Apple. He told me he performed it on Cuba television in the 1950's. When he walked through the streets of Havana people recognized him and came up to saying "The apple... the apple...".
You will find 143 magnificent and entertaining uses of silks and handkerchiefs. Sleights, tricks and the famous Stillwell Silk Act are explained in detail with 90 illustrations. Jean Hugard details vanishing methods, production techniques, color changes,
Slydini used to open his stage act with this routine.
Slydini's Production Silks is a routine he cared deeply about. This is an opening stage effect. (He used to say: "If you wait too long the silks will get stale".) The magician shows his hands
A very commercial routine where all is in the delivery and the script. Martin starts with a lovely Ping Pong ball gag. The main effect is the classic push a white handkerchief into your fist and pull out a red one. The method should be clear to everybody
Colorful, visual magic - certainly The Sympathetic Silks is a real classic of effects with silk. Performed by most of the old top-of-the-bill magicians on the variety stages around the world, it can be just as big a hit today as it was then. From a program
