Shadowgraphy (performing art)

Shadowgraphy or ombromanie is the art of performing a story or show using images made by hand shadows.

The modern art of hand shadows was made popular by the French entertainer Félicien Trewey in the 19th century.

[3] Félicien Trewey perfected the widely known elephant, bird, and cat hand shadows[4] and created some of his own such as The Volunteer, Robinson Crusoe, The Jockey, The Rope Dancer and more.

[6] Albert Almoznino suggests a candle, a flashlight (with the lens and reflector removed) or any very small light.

Trewey suggests the chalk for the limelight to be cut in a triangular form, or else it will produce a gray border around the shadow.

Albert Almoznino suggests to use a white or light-colored wall, sheet or table cloth for a small audience as in a private home.

If performing for a large audience such as in an auditorium or on a stage, he suggests a screen made of muslin or other thin cloth attached to a frame.

In a nightclub, hall or small theater, he suggests a nylon screen on a pliable aluminum frame.