The Scarlett Intervention, Step 2: Expose! (continued)

As told by Kate:

Alexia & I set off to the theater in our established male disguises a few hours before the evening burlesque show. Showing the tokens at the door, we were directed to a narrow stairwell, and descended into a small room, lit only by a few wall sconces.

In the center of the room was a small white table- curiously concave.  We were directed to sit on a bench in front of the table, and a short time later an attendant entered the room who greeted 'Mr. Kay & Mr. Alec' and offered us a drink from the bar situated in the back of the room.  Sitting back at the bench, sipping our drinks, the lights were further dimmed- so much we could barely make out the attendant, who was reaching for a long wooden rod which hung down from the ceiling.  As our eyes accustomed to the dark, the white table seemed to come alive with a vision of Scarlett!


Almost giving up our disguise at our confusion and shock of seeing Scarlett moving on the table, we both looked toward the attendant, who smiled broadly and began to explain.

He said that Mr. Henderson, who has a keen interest in technology, visited a camera obscura on the coast of New Jersey, and reproduced the effect at the theater.  He explained that above our heads was the dressing room of the 'Lovely Scarlett", and unknown to her, the cylinder in the ceiling passes into her dressing room. The attendant then showed that by moving the rod, he can follow Scarlett throughout her dressing room.

Alexia, as a photographer, explained further that with convex lens and mirrors focusing the light, the image from the other room, Scarlett's private dressing room, is projected onto the table.

Satisfied that we were pleased with the 'private show', the attendant excused himself, indicating that Mr. Henderson would be around shortly.  In his absence, Alexia pulled out her camera and took a few photos of the set-up. While feeling like intruders on Scarlett's privacy, for the purpose (of our intervention) we watched as Scarlett took off her street clothes, did limbering stretches, put on her make-up  and then dressed for the show. She was oblivious that her every move was being watched.

....to be continued!...
~LL