Our show
This unique glimpse into the past, brought to life by the magic of the lantern, offers a true phantasmagoria of light, color, movement, and music. This enchanting journey provides a rich, immersive experience that transports the audience into a world of storytelling and artistry, leaving everyone spellbound and immersed in the wonder of a bygone era.
Each show features authentic materials, including a nineteenth-century magic lantern and original hand-painted slides from that period. The experience is further enhanced by live music, creating a mesmerizing blend of visual and auditory magic.
Types of shows
Full-length evening programme
The full-length evening programme allows for detailed narratives, elaborate visuals, and a thorough exploration of themes. With a blend of live music, theatrical performance, and visual effects, this show creates an unforgettable atmosphere that invites viewers to fully engage with the unfolding spectacle. Lasting approximately two hours, the program is sure to captivate audiences of all ages.
Short show
Our 30-minute short show is not merely a shortened version of the full-length narrative; it is a curated experience that showcases the innovative nuances of our productions.
Successive performances can also be planned within a given time slot.
Lecture performance
The Magic Lantern, or The Making of the Modern World
Lecture Performance with Prof. Kurt Vanhoutte.
This richly illustrated event offers a unique blend of education and entertainment. Conducted by Kurt Vanhoutte, a professor of Theatre and Film Studies at the University of Antwerp, the performance delves into the historical significance of the magic lantern as a mass medium. Vanhoutte’s research (www.B-magic.eu) reveals the lantern’s role in shaping modern culture in Belgium and beyond, from its use in politics and propaganda to occult séances.
Audiences are invited on an immersive journey through captivating visuals and narratives that explore historical themes. With stunning images projected by an authentic magic lantern and original glass slides, handled by Ditmar Bollaert and Els Prevenier, this performative lecture uncovers the lantern's fascinating history and its influence on visual art and media culture.
A must-attend for anyone interested in the origins of visual arts, the rise of mediated culture, and the enduring allure of magic.
Custom show
Shows and lectures can also be tailored to suit the context of the moment: a Christmas show, a presentation and performance of musical magic lantern creations, a customized show for children, a workshop for students and teachers of media archaeology, and more. Just ask us!
Each type of show at Laterna Magica caters to diverse audience preferences while maintaining our commitment to innovative and engaging experiences.
