Houdini and his 1909 visit to Aberdeen is the inspiration for an art installation by visual artist Graeme Roger at the
Wonderland festival running Sept. 8-11, 2022. Below is a description:
‘THE SENSATIONAL SILVER CITY’ is a film and sound installation that pays homage to this theatrical event by filming a cross section of the North-east community underwater and suspended in time. A sound design for the work created with composer Lucie Treacher accompanies the work which features the voices of an Aberdeen chorus to create a new ethereal and theatrical artwork.
The inspiration behind the project is based on when the world-famous magician and escapologist Harry Houdini dove into Aberdeen harbour whilst in chains in 1909. A large crowd gathered during a storm to witness him handcuffed and chained and then dropping into the sea from a tugboat within the breakwater of the navigation Channel. There are many references to his ‘notorious manacled dives’ and the level of drama was high as he spent a minute and a half in the murky depths before resurfacing and coming ashore at Fittie. Many people believed Houdini had superhuman powers, he was a headline grabbing, public celebrity sensation.
You can get more information on the Wonderland festival at the
official website.
Related:
"Many people believed Houdini had superhuman powers..." He did too and committed the mortal sin of buying into his own legend.
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