Abstract
The
basis of this article is a conference presented in Marseille on April, 2nd,
2019, for the MUCEM (MUsée des Civilisations de l'Europe et de la Méditerranée
/ MUseum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations). This paper presents a
exploratory study conducted in Rennes (France), about emotions evoked by three
stage illusions presented in show magic: (1) “Sawing in half”
illusion, (2) “Escaping a straitjacket” illusion, (3) “Harrow” illusion.
Results of a free association task show that the chosen illusions are perceived
to produce different emotions, but mainly the negative ones. Results reveal,
too, that the illusions evoked are differently evaluated on their perceived
attractiveness and their perceived danger. Results show a link between the
illusions, the perception of danger, and the fascination they generate.
Propositions for future research are formulated, at different levels of
analysis: individual and psychosocial.
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