Jon Gower - Dual Divide Stage Illusion

This is the second published stage illusion design from Jon Gower. Jon's good friend Mark Parker, author of illusion books 'Vivify' and 4E illusion Design has again added additional elements to the design to help mold a modern creation for today's audiences.

Dual Divide first came into existence in 2002 and was created to provide an alternative effect to other "cutting" illusions performed. This effect is a fast paced routine utilising two assistants contained in one tiny cabinet suspended high off the floor within a metal framework. Their hands and feet remain in view at all times as a blade first dissects them and then the cabinet is opened to show that their bodies have vanished, despite their hands and feet outside of the cabinet still interacting with the magician.

This illusion is self-contained and can be performed away from any backdrops in the middle of a stage or cabaret floor. As the action happens within a raised structure it is particularly ideal where many audiences are seated on a flat floor behind each other.
Whilst the manuscript is not a full detailed workshop plan it gives a full description of the full routine and workings, including full colour elevations, sections through the apparatus, plus two alternative endings to the routine. The suggested presentations are intended as a starting point for you to interpret and build upon.

22 Pages