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.
Search within the encyclopedia