Escapology is an art that has been practiced since ancient times. Artists use this form of magic to escape from restraints, traps and confined spaces. It is a way of jolting our innate fear of not being able to escape in a life threatening situation that thrills us when we see these artists perform impossible and unthinkable feats whilst being restrained or disabled in some way.

There have been many famous escapologists including the well known Houdini to the more recent artists such as David Copperfield, David Blaine and Criss Angel to name a few. The greatest skill that these people have is the ability to perfect methods of escape and combine them with keeping the people entertained and guessing for hours or even days at a time. They push themselves to the very edge of the boundaries of human life as we know it.

The acts of escapology can be attained by two methods. One is by illusionist’s techniques practiced and performed with a high degree of skill. The Other method is actually doing the escaping by using pure strength, agility and daring. Whatever the method is; these daredevil and death defying performances always manage to capture the imagination of the audiences.

The traditional paraphernalia of escapologists include locked boxes, straightjackets, ropes, padlocks, underground pits, handcuffs and containers filled with sand. Today, there are more and more advanced acts available for our enjoyment as escapologists work hard to add value to the original acts. Some even try to add an obstacle course for the artist to struggle with after escaping. More than one escape trick can be combined in one act.

The biggest name well known the world over for his ability and dexterity in escapology is the great Harry Houdini who built his career on this type of magic illusion or stunts. Houdini was an expert in the art of escapology and tried hard to retain the aura of mystery and suspense at all times. This is needed for any true escape artist to a certain degree as the audiences expects it, the more mysterious the better. Many of Houdini’s acts were based on technical skills as much as magic itself and involved lock-picking and contortion or both. He demonstrated his abilities by escaping from handcuffs, prison cells, straightjackets and padlocks. His well known acts include the Chinese Water Torture and Metamorphosis.

Norman Murray Walters was an escapologist and an illusionist who was a Houdini contemporary. It is this Australian magician that first coined the word escapologist to describe and differentiate this branch of magic. Throughout the years performers have added to these acts or renewed them and are called modern day 'Houdinis' by the public.

Escapology has entered into our lives in more ways than seeing performances by artists and this speaks for its enduring allure. Scores of books, films, comics and novels have dealt with this age old theme which seems to appeal to young and old alike. Harry Houdini has starred in many films and has more comics, books and films based upon him. Today, there are even video games to thrill audiences with escapology.

David Copperfield, David Blaine, Lance Burton, Jeff McBride and Criss Angel are all present day magicians performing to packed audiences throughout the world and have extensive escapology acts in their repertoire. In India, the land of mysticism itself, escapologists are to be seen performing in busy street corners and theaters alike. They are helped by the ancient art of Yoga to achieve unthinkable heights in many of these acts. The thrill and sense of achievement that we feel when an artist manages to escape seemingly impossible restraints are invaluable.

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