Project 365 (86/365): The Siberian Chain Escape

.:86/365: The Siberian Chain Escape:.

One of the classics in escapology, the Siberian Chain Escape is like the poor man’s version of the Shanghai Shackles in terms of how menacing and intimidating it looks as an implement of restraint, but functions in much the same way, and lends itself to a whole different variety of gags one can use in performance.

The main difference for the Siberian Chain is that there is a distinct lack of in and out moves one can pull off while performing it simply because of the mechanics involved in this particular escape. I think this is fair enough because this results in a nice variation and break from all the comedy moves that are heavily featured when performing most of the other Spirit escape acts, which of course includes the Shackles as well.

Whether you demonstrate your ability to strike a lock into submission or instantly liberate yourself in full view of the audience, the Siberian Chain has a very exceptional advantage in that it’s very compact to lug along with you, and allows the audience to tighten the chain around you as much as they want, and yet you’d still figure your way out of it in record time.

It’s also a lot cheaper to have made, as just watching the performance, you can almost just take a regular chain leash for a dog, modify it a bit, buy a suitable padlock, and perform it right away, if that’s what you’re so inclined to do.

Ultimately, there are only so many ways to get out of chains and ropes and locks, and it pays to have a wide variety of these items even if the basic mechanics may all be the same in essence. Give this routine another watch, and see if there are any presentation touches you can add that are uniquely your own to make the routine more appropriate for you. As a very inexpensive and fast-paced but one-shot routine, the Siberian chain escape does have its uses, and is perfect in a street setting as well.