“Just a pair of hands and a whole lot of clever imagination” perfectly describes this 1933 film from British Pathe. The performer moves his hands slowly so that the audience can see how the shape is formed. The setup is minimal: a darkened room, a bare patch of wall, a light source to cast shadows. On the wall appears, as if by magic…a bird, its wings flapping..
…a bunny rabbit…
…dogs…
…a man wearing a hat…
…Charlie Chaplin twirling his cane…
…two boxers having a fight…
How has such a simple skill been forgotten that has the power to create marvels for children and companions a few moments before sleep?
It is easy to learn with a few minutes focus. This page from an 1842 edition of Hiroshige woodblock prints gives clear-as-a-bell instruction for creating shadows through hand gestures, once a common pastime for children and adults tucking them in.
There are troves of modern instructions and Youtube videos online from which you can learn how to use your hands to create living silhouettes.
A bedside lamp or table lamp works perfectly. Put one hand between the light and the wall so that you can clearly see the shadow of your hand…
Then, simply by changing the shape of your hand, you can make animals, birds and other characters come to life.
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