The Effect
The performer brings out an old wooden box, placing it onto the table, and a spectator is chosen to act as a subject in the performance. Explaining the basis of the infamous Witch Trials of the 16th and 17th Centuries, the subject is asked to open the box, and remove the items inside; the tools of the WitchFinder, the performer explains.
Opening the casket, the subject removes a heavy cloth purse, some pages, torn from the Old Testament, and a cloth-bound package, tied with black ribbon.
The performer goes on to open the purse, and tips out five’ authentic Witch Brands’ – heavy, cast-metal medallions, bearing a different strange symbol upon each. The subject is asked to handle the Witch Brands, to feel their weight, to allow the strange markings to play over their fingertips...to subconsciously absorb any impressions they may feel.
As they do so, the performer opens the ribbon-bound pack, revealing five individual ‘Judgement pages’ – scraps from the ancient records of Witch Trial outcomes, safely sealed and preserved in clear laminate. Each Judgement bears one of the Witch Brand symbols upon its reverse side.
And so...we have five metal brands, along with five corresponding judgements.
The performer explains that just ONE of the metal Brands will prove – beyond all doubt – that the subject is guilty of Witchcraft; in league with Lucifer himself, and fated to burn for their sins against God and man, whilst the remaining four Brands will proclaim their innocence.
The subject is bidden to select a single brand –the Mark which they will choose to represent their very soul. They make a completely free, completely UNforced choice (they can even change their minds as many times as they wish!).
The five judgements are laid, face down, before the subject each displaying a drawing of its individual brand upon it's reverse. The judgement whose brand matches that chosen by the subject is pushed forward – there is no cover, no odd moves, or any kind of trickery here; all is completely open and fair.
The subject is requested to turn the remaining four Judgements face-up, for all to see. Each is turned, exposing four Judgements which read, “Full Pardon – NOT GUILTY”.
Their hand trembling, the subject is finally given leave to turn the Judgement on the Witch Brand which THEY freely chose:
To their horror, the fate they have chosen is at last revealed – upon them turning it face-up the subject reads the Judgement against them – “GUILTY,” it declares, “BURN THE WITCH.”
Reflecting that it’s good news for the subject that we now live in more enlightened times, the performer promises the Subject that he will arrange for her immortal soul to be prayed for...
Cost
£67.50 including postage from http://www.daemonic-dreams.co.uk/WitchF ... 72451.aspx
Difficulty
(1=easy to do, 2=No sleights, but not so easy, 3=Some sleights used,
4=Advanced sleights used, 5=Suitable for experienced magicians only)
1
Review
The first thing you notice when you open the package is how professional the whole effect is. The supplied box will store all you need to be able to perform this effect. The next thing you notice is the lovely props, these hand made items have been constructed with great care and attention. You will be proud to open the box and remove the contents when you come to perform this effect. The attention to detail is amazing here and the little cloth bag stinks! The quality continues with a very good booklet that not only explains the effect but gives you a good background to the famous Witch Trials. Like all good Bizarre Magick effects this is something that you will be able to do straight away. There is no difficult handling or difficult sleight of hand, instead you get a solid professional routine that will enjoy performing and get great reactions with. If you have good story telling skills then you can really set the scene, i would recommend performing this on a table by candlelight with a few extra props such as a pendulum and a skull.
This is not a quick 2 minute magic trick, this is a piece of bizarre theatre that will draw in the audience and really be the highlight of your show. To give this justice you need to have a good backstory and spend between 15-30 minutes presenting this piece.
I also ordered 19 Writs of Execution, these have been custom made with my company details on and my name as the person issuing the writ. This was a special order but i do believe that these are on general sale in the near future. These writs look very real and make a creepy and great thing to give to the guest(s) who have been revealed as a Witch.
Overall
Perfect, professional piece for your show
