For reason far too boring to go into (but related to a stage play) I have to
build a full-sized dummy person which has to disappear on cue. The figure
will be wearing a full-face mask and long flowing robes, and they *don't*
have to vanish: the effect should be that the man disintegrates and the mask
and robes just collapse, empty.

Any thoughts on how to construct the dummy figure? A lightweight head and
shoulders which support the robes, suspended and released from above? A
collapsible lazy-tongs arrangement rising from a base, again with a dummy
head at the top? An inflatable figure punctured with a pin (and presumably
patched up each night for the next show)?

Any and all suggestions will be very welcome. Thanks.