| The Blowhole Theater was one of the most striking
examples of the blending of the roles of spectator and performer.
The Blowhole was constructed in such a way that people were actually
trapped into performing. At the end of a long, dark hallway leading
off of a ride, hidden jets of compressed air would shoot from vents
and blow up the skirts of female riders as they exited. A midget and
a clown would run around with cattle prongs electrically shocking
the male riders.
Other people actually paid to sit in the bleachers
surrounding the exit and watch the skirts fly up and listen to the
embarrassed female screams and giggles. The women were never asked
whether or not they wanted to be on public display- they were thrust
onstage with the understanding that they would screech and react
dramatically to show the viewers a good time. The women, through
their very actions and reactions, were providing free entertainment
for Coney Island. The Blowhole Theater was tremendously popular
and actually ran for decades, becoming known as New York’s
longest running show.
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