Maskelyne Spiritual Play
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Maskelyne Spiritual Play
A SPIRIT CASE A satirical play by Maskelyne and Cooke. In this scene, Dr Blade relates to Slade. Date: 1882
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Media ID 14259983
© Mary Evans Picture Library
1882 Blade Case Cooke Maskelyne Mediumship Relates Satirical Slade Spirit Spiritual Turning Paranormal
EDITORS COMMENTS
Maskelyne's Spiritual Play: A Peek into the Satirical World of Dr. Blade and Slade (1882) This photograph print depicts a scene from Maskelyne and Cooke's "Spiritual Play," a satirical production that poked fun at the growing trend of spiritualism and mediumship during the late 19th century. In this particular moment, Dr. Blade, portrayed by the renowned magician and debunker, John Nevil Maskelyne, engages in a conversation with Slade, played by the actor-manager, George Cooke. The duo stands before a fan-adorned table, which is commonly associated with séances and spirit communication. Maskelyne, a skeptic of spiritualism, used his theatrical prowess to expose the tricks and deceptions behind mediumship. In this play, he employed a clever blend of magic and comedy to challenge the authenticity of spiritual phenomena. The interaction between Dr. Blade and Slade in this scene likely involves a cleverly disguised magic trick, further emphasizing the duo's skepticism towards the paranormal. This photograph offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of Maskelyne and Cooke's "Spiritual Play," which not only entertained audiences but also served as a commentary on the cultural obsession with the supernatural during the Victorian era. The image captures the playful yet thought-provoking nature of the production, which continues to intrigue scholars and history buffs alike. Maskelyne and Cooke's "Spiritual Play" is an essential piece of theatrical history, showcasing the duo's unique ability to combine entertainment, skepticism, and social commentary in a way that resonated with audiences over a century ago.
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