“The History and Art of Ventriloquism” by Valentine Vox (post 2): Ventriloquists sometimes look like they have multiple personality

“This seemingly schizophrenic [word misused to mean split personality] ability, which ventriloquists develop by talking to themselves, has often been the subject of controversy…Many artists have opened up bank accounts for their figures, listed their names in telephone directories, and even entered them as candidates in election campaigns. Although this showmanship is part of the business of the entertainment world, the ventriloquist’s involvement in this façade is often found suspended between illusion and reality.

“During an engagement in Las Vegas, ventriloquist Jimmy Nelson once waited for his figure Danny to sing the last line of their closing song. The song was performed by Nelson in a rapid exchange of three different voices, but when it came to the final line of the song no sound issued from the figure. Nelson had forgotten for that second that he was providing the voice, and waited for the character to finish the song.

“The care and attention that Herbert Dexter gave to his figure Charlie…resulted in a divorce suit in which his wife named the mechanical figure as co-respondent…and his wife was granted a divorce.” (1, pp 151-155).

1. Valentine Vox. I Can See Your Lips Moving: The History and Art of Ventriloquism (From ancient sages to modern stages. Three thousand years of vocal conjuration). London, Plato Publishing, 1981/2019.