VENUE CHANGE!! Elliott and Schlemowitz’s "Phantasmagoria," a magic lantern show

In the late 18th century, scientist, balloonist, and showman Étienne-Gaspard Robertson created a sensation in Paris with the Fantasmagorie, a magic lantern show blending science and the occult. His rear-projected images and fantascope projector, designed to roll along wooden tracks, created the illusion of ghosts and goblins growing from tiny figures into giants stalking toward the audience.

Magic lantern performers Dawn Elliott and Joel Schlemowitz have built a working fantascope with tracks and a rear-projection screen, along with scores of hand-painted slides, to recreate the Fantasmagorie.

The phantasmagoria’s eerie repertoire includes a visit to a haunted graveyard, an appearance by the Bleeding Nun from the gothic novel The Monk, the head of Medusa (“as horrifying as ever”), and a midnight visit to a Witches’ Sabbath.

Due to the graphic nature of the historical storytelling and imagery, this program is not recommended for children under 13. Children under 18 must be supervised by an adult.

Elliott and Schlemowitz’s Phantasmagoria received the Dick Balzer Performance Award from the Magic Lantern Society UK. They collaborate to combine history, art, and performance through magic lantern shows. Learn more at https://www.magiclanternexhibition.com.

Due to extremely low temperatures expected on Saturday, October 17, the performance has been moved indoors to the Crispell Memorial French Church at 60 Huguenot Street. Seating is limited, so pre-registration is highly encouraged.

Access to the 1717 Crispell Memorial French Church may be difficult for people with limited mobility. For accessibility information or assistance upon arrival, call (845) 255-1660, Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM, before the program date.

Food is prohibited in the French Church. Resealable or lidded beverages are allowed. Alcohol and smoking are prohibited in the building and on HHS grounds.

The DuBois Fort Visitor Center and Museum Shop at 81 Huguenot Street will be open from 5–7:30 PM on the evening of the event. A restroom is on the second floor of that building. Accessible restrooms are available in Deyo Hall at 6 Broadhead Avenue.

Admission:
- $16 general admission
- $12 discounted admission for HHS members, seniors, students, active military personnel and their families, veterans, and youth ages 13–17
- $8 for children ages 7–12
- Free for children ages 6 and under