Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
Posting-Version: version B 2.10.2 9/3/84; site garfield.UUCP
Path: utzoo!utcsrgv!garfield!derek2
From: derek2@garfield.UUCP (Derek S Keeping)
Newsgroups: net.sci
Subject: Re: Theatrical Hypnotism and Santa Claus
Message-ID: <2081@garfield.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 26-Nov-84 13:31:55 EST
Article-I.D.: garfield.2081
Posted: Mon Nov 26 13:31:55 1984
Date-Received: Mon, 26-Nov-84 21:43:57 EST
References: <3115@utah-cs.UUCP>
Reply-To: derek2@garfield.UUCP (Derek S Keeping)
Organization: Memorial U. of Nfld. C.S. Dept., St. John's
Lines: 46
Summary: Does he or doesn't he!

I have seen 'Raveen' twice, both times with different groups. I'm
no great fan of Theatrical Hypnosis, however I do find it entertaining
on occasion.

As to whether or not the subjects were actually hypnotised I can't say
first-hand as I was never hypnotised. However on both occasions I have
seen the show a member of the group has gone on stage and been apparently
hypnotised. On the first occasion the person was just a friend so I suppose
she could quite possibly be covering up. However the person at the second
show is now my fiance, and I would be very surprised if she covered up
something like that to me.

Also it is true that people get free passes to return to the show after
being hypnotised. The reason being that they are supposed to be able to
watch the show instead of taking part. However I would guess that if
the suggestions given at the end of the show actually take hold there
would at least a mild compulsion to return to the stage instead of 
watching the show. Which is certainly a bonus for 'Raveen' as he has
what could be considered a reliable subject who very probably will
return to appear in future shows. Again as evidence I offer my fiance
who claims to have taken part in five shows over several tours without
once sitting in the audience.

In case I seem totally unquestioning I will point out that there
are some remarkable similarities between what you mention of
the show you saw. In particular the dog episode. It may well be that
the joke is a part of subconsious behavior and most people will do
that sort of thing if commanded to act like a dog. Not being an expert
I couldn't say. However what seems more likely to me is that 'Raveen'
has a group of people planted in the audience to fill out the group
if there are too few subjects, and to add entertainment if the show
starts to get to dull. I also seem to recall hearing somewhere that
if a group of people are told to act as if they are hypnotised and
carrying on with the show the majority would do so. Any pointers or
comments on this?

Finally I must say that I find the first part of the show totally inane.
On the two occasions that I saw the show he completed a magic square
and performed a knights tour. Relativly simple problems once the method
is learned. Yet there were people in the audience cheering him on
and applauding each move. If people are willing to pay money to see
people do things like this maybe there is a small fortune to be made
out there.

		Derek S. Keeping.
		{allegra,inhp4,utcsrgv}!garfield!derek2