How The Pepper's Ghost Illusion works and why it is important.

What is it about?

Most recent studies of theatrical intermediality have discussed the way in which digital technologies have influenced performance as they refocus, enhance, and/or disrupt pre-digital, conventional theatre practices. As the current volume demonstrates, however, there are also numerous examples of analogue technologies that have influenced and shaped performance practice throughout history. These technologies opened pathways of exploration, as they provided theatre artists with opportunities for the creation of new spatial relationships among performers and new theatrical conventions. They also offered opportunities for artists to develop new techniques of visual storytelling. One example of such an analogue technology is that of the Victorian ghost illusion commonly known as ‘Pepper’s Ghost’. This chapter explores the technology of Pepper's Ghost and shows its ongoing influence in stage and them park illusions.

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Why is it important?

The Pepper's Ghost Illusion created new possibilities for onstage visual storytelling. It became an extremely popular stage device, and updated forms of the illusion are still being used today in popular stage productions and attractions such as the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland.