What is zig zag magic trick?

The zig zag magic trick, also known as the zig zag illusion, is a classic stage illusion in which a performer appears to saw an assistant or a person in half and then reassemble them back together. The zig zag illusion typically features a large, cabinet-like structure with three sections, kind of like a oversized, three-part Rubik's Cube. The assistant enters the middle section of the cabinet and their head, hands, and feet protrude out the top, sides, and bottom.

The magician then slides the center section of the cabinet towards one side, cutting the assistant in two. The two outer sections of the cabinet are pulled apart and the assistant's waist appears to move from its original position, creating the illusion that they have been divided in two separate halves. The middle section is then moved back to its starting position, and the two outer sections are pushed back together. The assistant is then revealed to be completely unharmed and steps out of the box.

Although the zig zag illusion was first performed in the early 20th century, it continues to be a popular and widely performed magic trick today. While magicians have developed different variations on the trick, the basic structure and principles behind the effect remain the same. The zig zag illusion relies on cleverly designed props and carefully staged misdirection to create the illusion of the assistant being sawn in half.