STAGE HYPNOTISM

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 162, 3 April 1919, Page 3

STAGE HYPNOTISM

A GOOD LAUGHING SHOW.

If uproarious laughter from all sections of a fairly well filled. Opera House be the test of a'success with u stage hypnotist, then Professor Barraden niust be credited with a full measure of that illusive commodity. His performance is much on the lines of other professional hypnotists who hiive visited Wellington in recent years, and he follows the same methods in manufacturing tho fun that the audience is looking for. Professor Barraden prefaced his opening performance last evening by'' sonic general remarks on the general ignorance, which prevailed respecting hypnotism, and stated that loss appeared to be known about the mystic power in New Zealand than any other country lie had ever visited. Ho claimed that everyone wan more or less of a hypnotist, conscious or otherwise. Professor Barraden had no difficulty, on a cull being made, in assembling a school of a, dozen young fellows, and in no case apparently did lie lail to subject them to his mesmeric powers. The first "test" was the familiar falling act, which is as closely associated with the show hypnotist as is the flying birdcage trick to the conjurer. The boys, ono and all, looked steadily at tho Professor's hypnotic right eye, and forth.vith swayed and fell into his expectant arms. Then the school was put into an hypnotio sleep, and were forthwith commanded to assume that they i-ould not stop twirling their hands, after which they were all imaginative hens in a barnyard, and though some would persist in crowing like roosters the antics of the performers were ludicrously funny. After that lie gave his subjects the suggestion _ thai they were Charlio Chaplin, and in a second or two the stage was occupied by a company of comedians, hopping, slipping, and sliding about, and even doinfe esnio of the extraordinary falle that the millionaire picture comedian makes such amusing capital of. So earnest were they all to attain to the Chaplin's eminence ,that there is every likelihood of scro 'frames this morning among those concerned. The dancing stunt was also funny, tho group producing at least cue very apt eccentric dancer. In the second half there was a vocal seance, which provided quite a lengthy concert prolamine. Each subject in turn was informed that lie was a great singer, and must sing a song in return for the enormous salary he was receiving. Somo of the singers were amusing-all were interesting up to a. point. One of the most humorous acts was entitled "Hello, Lizzie I" All were informed, whilst hypnotically disposed, that both legs and arms were stiff, and that, having put out their tongues, they could not draw them in again, and in this plight they were told that their old friend Lizzie was in the gallery, and they must address her. The ludicrous spectacle can be imagined. Finally the "school," still "under the influence," were informed that they vera nt the sea-side, that the sand proved to lie treacle, and then fleas. The acting ot the subjects in their dilemma was funny enough, but in some cases it almost overstepped the bounds of decency. Professor Barraden will perform at the Opera House for the next three nights.