There are a huge number of different tricks and tricks that have been used from time immemorial both to deceive people and to entertain them. They are performed by both professional masters and ordinary people. Such entertainment includes ordinary card tricks, transformations, disappearances. Among these is ventriloquism, which will be discussed in this article.
What is the essence of ventriloquism?
Ventriloquism is the art of pronouncing words without opening one’s mouth, thereby creating the impression that a person is speaking with his stomach (“belly” is “stomach”), for example. Also used by magicians who work with puppets, they are called "ventriloquist dolls." That is, viewers think that the doll is talking, as the ventriloquist’s voice during the session sounds as if from a distance. In addition, often the voice becomes much higher and thinner, but it harmonizes well with the traditionally small size of the puppet.
Also often the puppeteer enters into dialogue with the toy, only, of course, then he already opens his mouth. The film "Dead Silence" is almost entirely based on ventriloquism.
How long has this art existed
Ventriloquism is a skill that has been known for a very long time. So, it is described in the Bible (albeit in a negative way), it was also used by the ancient Greeks, Romans and Egyptians. Of course, people who owned this art were often considered obsessed with demons and subjected to persecution and other cruel measures. Actually, it was assumed that they are demons, and they talk inside a person, so he does not even need to open his mouth and move his lips.
Who ventrils now
Now this skill is used not only by magicians, but also by some peoples, for example, Eskimos or inhabitants of India, as well as various tribes. In traditional associations, one who has the gift of ventriloquism can become a shaman. That is, in such peoples this art has a sacred meaning. They also ventriloquist in circuses, of course, puppet theaters, because sometimes the person who holds the doll is visible, therefore it is necessary to create the illusion that this is what she says.
Is it really difficult? Can everyone master this art, or is it necessary to really have some superpowers? We will talk about this further.
Basic exercises for a beginner ventriloquist
Many are interested in how to learn ventriloquism at home. It is also believed that in order to possess this gift it is necessary to be born with it, but this is not so. Now there is an opportunity to learn this independently. There are several tricks and exercises for this. First you need to take a deep breath, completely fill the lungs with air. Then you need to raise the tongue in the mouth so that it almost touches the back of the soft palate (near the throat). Then the stomach is pulled in so that the diaphragm contracts, and the stomach is squeezed slightly lower than the lungs. After that, you need to try to moan, then say “ah!”, Then - “help!” or some other simple phrase. It is important that at first one such session did not last longer than five minutes.
Lip control exercises
However, this is not all ventriloquism requires. How to learn to do everything so that it seems that the sound comes from somewhere else, and not from the speaker’s mouth? For this, firstly, the lips are either smiling, or the lower jaw hangs, dropping down, or the mouth is simply open. Secondly, you can start with sounds, for example, “a”, “and”, “e”, “o”, “x”, “l”, “k”, “t”. Thirdly, labial sounds (such as “m”, “b”, “c”, “f”, “p”) are pronounced when the lips close, but this is too visible. Therefore, it is necessary to replace the lip with the tongue. To do this, with the tip of the tongue you need to jerk against the back of the teeth when the lips begin to close.
How to make ventriloquism even more compelling
It is clear that in the beginning it is necessary to learn all the physiological subtleties. But acting is still included in art such as ventriloquism. Learning this is also easy at home. For example, professionals in this business also pretend that they do not understand where this sound comes from. To do this, turn your head around. You can pretend that a sound source is found (it can be a toy or a wall) and focus your attention on it. In addition, it is worth reacting to the words: to be surprised, angry, and strong enough so that others have the impression that in this situation you certainly can’t speak.
Of course, you need to do it every day, because ventriloquism is not a basic human skill. It is also worth noting that over time, the duration of training can be increased when there is a feeling that five minutes is not enough and too easy.
Ventriloquism in art
In some books and films, there is someone who has the gift of ventriloquism. The Cherry Orchard by Anton Pavlovich Chekhov is a prime example. Many remember the governess Charlotte, who amused the guests with magic tricks with this skill. This point is described in one of the chapters. In addition, ventriloquism is used in horror films, hoping that earlier this art was considered the machinations of demons. For example, the 2006 horror film Dead Silence is dedicated to this, in which the characters interact with the ghost of a ventriloquist. Of course, here the plot is directly related to the prejudices of people who possess this gift.
World famous ventriloquists
It is also worth talking about two famous ventriloquists, for whom this art has become a way of earning, and not a means to deceive simple-minded people. These are Paul Winchell (now deceased) and Jeff Dunham (now alive). Winchell performed with a doll named Jerry Mahoney, whom he named after his school teacher, who approved his passion for ventriloquism. Winchell also had other dolls who communicated with Jerry. For example, the famous Swivel-headed Smiff. Paul starred in films and TV shows, led his own show and played television games. However, the ability to speak for dolls was not his only passion: he was also an inventor.
Dunham is known for a huge variety of dolls. For him ventriloquism is, one might say, the meaning of life. He performs on Broadway and in various shows (also releases his own), most often improvises and amuses the audience. Among his character dolls, one can distinguish a grouchy old man, a veteran, a pimp, a jalapeno pepper, a deceased terrorist, and a representative of declassed elements. These and some other dolls intersect during the show, interact with each other (argue, curse, make peace, discuss something, exchange opinions, joke, deceive each other) and have unique characters.
In order to achieve success, these people worked a lot on this art from their teens, however, an early start is not a prerequisite. The main thing is a strong desire. They also necessarily separately developed not only the skill itself, but also various acting skills. And also , in order to become more or less famous and popular ventriloquist, it is necessary to create something new. For example, to invent and craft their own original dolls, to compose various scenarios and, possibly, jokes, if the goal is to entertain the public. But you can do this for yourself, for example, if you want to normalize your breathing or just develop new skills.
Thus, now ventriloquism is not only a focus on the fun of the public or, conversely, a sacred action, but also just the skill that some people want to possess. As you can see, you can learn it yourself.