Ventriloquism – A Brief History
Ventriloquism is an ancient art form and the exact beginnings are lost in the mists of time. It would appear to have sprung fully formed unlike other arts. Through the ages it has moved from being practiced by spiritual leaders for their own purposes to the art performed today for the pleasure and illumination of the audience.
Although there is not any definitive proof, there are many occurrences in the distant past of a supernatural voice that can only be explained by the art of ventriloquism. It was at one time very common to believe in a second voice or familial spirit that took on the form of divination where the spirit was called on to provide guidance on important decisions.
In about 1500 BC, by Mosaic Law the Jews were forbidden from consulting with those who possessed the familial spirit. The Hebrews became acquainted with the second voice during their captivity in Egypt.
How the Egyptians acquired the art of ventriloquism is unknown. Osiris, the judge of the dead, spoke in a voice not of this world coming from either the earth or from overhead. A natural conclusion is that the priesthood practiced the art of ventriloquism to deceive the worshippers because the description of the voice is very much like that of the voice found in ventriloquism.
The Ancient Greeks method of divination leaves little room for doubt that ventriloquism played a part. The Greeks called their method gastromancy. The spirit would make its replies from the priest's belly while the priest's facial expression and lips remained fixed.
In more recent times, Louis Brabant, valet de Chambre of Francis I, used his talent as a ventriloquist to win the heart of a beautiful rich heiress. In the works of M. L'abbe La Chappelle, published in 1772 the ventriloquism achievements of Baron Menge of Vienna and those of M. St Gille a grocer of Paris are mentioned.
It wasn't until the 19th Century that ventriloquism as we know it today was introduced, i.e. the ventriloquist performing with a wooden doll with a movable mouth. Fred Russell, known as the father of modern ventriloquism, is accredited as being the first ventriloquist to perform with a "dummy." Fred's ventriloquist figure was called Caster Joe.
During the middle of the 20th Century ventriloquism remained very popular due to Edgar Bergen and his famous wooden boy Charlie McCarthy and their radio show. Other famous ventriloquists from around this time are Shari Lewis, Senor Wences and Paul Winchell.
The popularity of ventriloquism diminished during the latter part of the 20th Century due to the appeal of film and TV. Fortunately ventriloquism has recently made a comeback, notably Terry Fator, winner of America's Got Talent 2007, and Jeff Dunham, a 2 time winner of Funniest Male Stand Up Comic have done much to popularise it again.
There is little doubt that the art of ventriloquism was used by spiritual leaders to deceive and keep power over their followers. Fortunately, ventriloquism has today, in our more enlightened times, emerged as a wonderful performing art that can be enjoyed by young and old alike.
About the Author
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