What is Phantasmagoria?
Q: What is Phantasmagoria?
A: Phantasmagoria was a type of live entertainment and horror show popular in the 1800s.
Q: How did they create the frightening images in Phantasmagoria shows?
A: One or more magic lanterns were used to project frightening images such as skeletons, demons, and ghosts onto walls, smoke, or semi-transparent screens.
Q: What type of projection was used in Phantasmagoria shows?
A: Typically, rear projection was used to keep the lantern out of sight.
Q: What allowed the projected image to move and change size on the screen?
A: Mobile or portable projectors were used, which allowed the projected image to move and change size on the screen.
Q: What were some key elements of Phantasmagoria shows?
A: Some key elements of Phantasmagoria shows included spooky decoration, total darkness, sound effects, (auto-)suggestive verbal presentation, and sensory stimulation.
Q: Where did Phantasmagoria shows originate?
A: Phantasmagoria shows started under the guise of actual séances in Germany in the late 18th century and gained popularity throughout Europe, especially in England, throughout the 19th century.
Q: What extreme methods were used to make spectators more convinced of what they saw in Phantasmagoria shows?
A: Some Phantasmagoria shows used methods such as requiring fasting, fatigue (late shows), and drugs to make sure the spectators would be more convinced of what they saw.
