Discover “Illusionary Departures 2012” by J C Sum
“Illusionary Departures 2012” is a comprehensive collection of innovative illusion designs and performance strategies from renowned illusionist J C Sum, one of Asia’s leading figures in the field. This latest edition, updated since its original release in 2004, is J C’s most extensive illusion book yet, featuring 35 meticulously crafted illusions and stage routines that emphasize motivation, logic, and credibility in performance.
The book encompasses a variety of illusion types, including penetrations, appearances, vanishes, transpositions, and escapes. It also presents original stage routines, such as a logical time travel act, a motivated torn and restored effect, and a silent theatrical piece with a compelling narrative structure.
A standout chapter reveals J C’s innovative approach to designing a modern illusion base that is both deceptive and lightweight, a significant advancement over traditional designs. This base has been successfully utilized by J C and his partner, ‘Magic Babe’ Ning, in numerous live performances and television appearances worldwide.
All illusions are crafted for performers at any level, from beginners to seasoned professionals, and have been rigorously prototyped and audience-tested since 1998. The props are designed for easy transport, and many illusions can be performed surrounded by audiences on three sides. Several can be constructed affordably, making them accessible for newcomers to the world of grand illusions.
“Illusionary Departures 2012” includes 145 pages filled with detailed construction plans and full presentations for illusions such as:
- A Walk Through The Winery: An original penetration illusion.
- Visual Displacement: Passing a person through four solid steel bars.
- The Time Machine: A cerebral stage routine with a time-travel theme.
- Reinvent the Sub-Trunk: Eight variations and presentation ideas for the Substitution Trunk.
- Creation Of Life: A powerful paradigm of illusion presentation.
- Ultimate Victory Cartons: An economical appearance illusion for stage.
- Black Art Case Table: A practical transport solution for a black art utility.
- Fourth Dimensional Exit: The magical vanishing of a group of performers using a new illusion utility.
- Deceptive Base Work: Insights into the philosophy and design of a modern illusion base.
- Crystal Striptease: The magical vanish and reappearance of a girl while being stripped of her clothes.
- New-Age Spirit Cabinet: The manifestation of inanimate objects with a surprising twist.
- Sweepstakes: A captivating blend of motivation and combination.
- Back Door Appearance: The magical emergence of individuals in a special event setting.
- Graffiti Girl: An audience participation illusion featuring a girl from a graffiti appearance.
- Motion Delayed Vanish/Appearance: An original take on an illusion utility.
- Modern Flight Case Table: An ATA case-table designed for working performers.
- Branded: A corporate logo appears in a flash of fire.
- Chain Reaction: An instant escape with a costume change kicker.
- Hiding In Plain Sight: A comedic teleportation illusion.
- Ghost Cabinet: Versatile presentations for a multi-cast illusion production.
- 12-Girl Cabinet: A simplified, modern version of the Jarrett 21-Person Cabinet.
BONUS: Purchasing this book grants access to J C’s exclusive ‘Backstage’ section, featuring FREE illusion ideas and four methods for car appearances. Many have claimed these insights alone are worth the price of the book!