Musiscoop

secrets of the circus

In Giant Light Circus each circus act is also a real magic act! The performers transform tiny circus figures inside the magic lanterns into huge, moving animals on the screen.

In Giant Light Circus the animals are animated using a range of techniques.

For example:

Magic lantern picture for a small projector. Behind the screen, this little projector is moved by a player. By rapidly alternating two pictures, the dog appears to jump. The dog jumps on the elephant. This technique is called Utsusi-e and originates from Japan.

The camel is carved out of a wooden frame, which is placed inside a large magic lantern.
A performer moves the sliding section with the camel’s humps. On the screen, the humps grow, to the sound of a trombone.

              
The figure is placed upside down in the lantern. The lens inverts the image. By manipulating the head, arms and legs (like a puppet) the hippopotamus is made to do tricks.