Escapology | Astor

Have you ever considered why people allow themselves to be bound in the realm of illusions? We actually owe the long line of bondage tricks, which eventually developed into a new branch of magic, the so-called 'escape art' (escapology), to spiritualism. In the second half of the nineteenth century, a new 'religion' spread in America through the practices of the fraudulent FOX siblings: spiritualism. This aroused the interest not only of the gullible, but also of skeptics who, after several 'mediums' had been exposed as frauds, wanted to eliminate fraudulent manipulations by binding the mediums in various ways to prevent them from defrauding them. But the mediums developed numerous methods to free themselves from the most complicated bonds.

Naturally, these tricks didn't remain secret for long, and soon there were artists who allowed themselves to be tied up and bound in variety shows, only to then free themselves from the bonds—albeit without the help of the spirits. They were bound by their wrists, their feet, even their entire bodies. Escapology has become an interesting branch of the so-called 'related arts' and always arouses great interest among audiences. The field is almost overwhelmingly vast, but in this tutorial, you will find the most interesting and exciting tricks in this field. First, a variety show masterpiece, Ten Ichi's famous Thumb Tie. Then, the equally spectacular Siberian Transport Chain, followed by Electronic Release (and its further development), which can also be useful in the Escape Box Illusion.

Then comes the ESCAPE from a sealed BAG (in two versions), and finally the release from an airtight, transparent plastic bag. All of this is done under the strictest supervision of the audience. The best part is that you don't have to dig deep into your pockets, because these tricks either require no equipment at all, or only equipment that you can easily and inexpensively obtain yourself. The precise instructions from Astor make both the procurement and the performance child's play. Everything is very easy and simple, with no complicated moves or preparation required. If you want to show your audience something other than the 'here a card, there a thimble' trick, you absolutely must get this, especially since each of the tricks described is worth more than the entire tutorial.