To the Spectators of Magic

Magic is probably one of the most misunderstood performance art forms in the world today. It is misunderstood by the general public, and unfortunately, by magicians themselves. Even though magic has been around for so long (at least 3 centuries), it is still not recognized as a 'proper' art. Magic is mostly regarded as a hobby, a recreational activity and something that explains why Uncle Lim pulled out a coin from my ear.

Would you compare the intricacies of magic and illusion with the 'high art' of ballet, or classical music? Even ventriloquism and juggling is looked upon as more 'prestigious' than magic.

In the words of Michael Close, magicians are just 'interchangeable heads on a cheesy tuxedo.' Sadly enough, we are just that to most audiences. Magicians come into your lives on rare occasions, and then they proceed to perform puzzle after puzzle, fooling you and rarely entertaining you.

The bottom line is, it all ends as soon as the show ends. Do you recall the moment when your signed card appeared in the magician's wallet the same way you bring back the resonance of a jazz solo in your mind days after a concert?

Most magicians have so little impact on the audience that it was nothing but a fleeting moment of joy and intrigue that fades away from their memories.

Magic is more than a hobby, more than something you'd do when you have time to spare. A lot of effort, in terms of creativity, practice and sheer intelligence is needed in order to be successful in magic. Magicians who realise that the goal of magic is to entertain you and not to gratify their own egos will eventually be better off in the art than their amateurish counterparts.

So what does this mean for YOU?

As our guest on this magical journey you have the wisdom to judge who among us are better at entertaining you, in creating wonder which stems from seeds of curiosity in your own mind. Give your attention to these master conjurors, suspend your disbelief if only for a while, and immerse yourself in the rich world of illusion and legerdemain. These opportunities of magic do not come by often, so treasure these moments and immortalize them in your memories.

And yet...

You have the wisdom to judge among us, those who are merely trying to fool you, to belittle your intelligence with nothing more than mere tricks. Fret not, for these magicians' will not endure long in the art - few will suffer their foolishness.
But on behalf of our brethren, we ask that you do not condemn magic and liken us all to one another, for that would indeed be unfair to those who succeed gloriously in this fragile art.

A performance artist continually strives to serve his art and his audience. In the same way, real practitioners of magic always keep these goals in mind in order to advance our art. We give our best in practice and performance, giving magic and its audience the respect that they deserve.

When next you meet a magician, a conjuror, or a prestidigitator, be sure to free your mind, suspend your disbelief and most importantly - have fun.

Walk the path of magic.

Let us be your guide.



<This article is in the competition. But of course.>

Man, this is good stuff! Perfect to prepare a layman for a magic performance.

Vote B)

Two thumbs up for the fantastic essay.

here is my VOTE

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+vote

I gave gordon two thumbs up for his essay. Yours deserves 3. Brilliantly written! My vote goes to you.

vote

Here's what I thought of it

1)It expresses a sentiment about the current situation of perception of magic which I pretty much agree with

2)Good topic. Neutral enough not to be a cheap shot at getting votes just cos you have a lot of those who agree with you

3)Thought it could use a little more structure

4)Think a good title would be "An Apology for Magic"

Thanks for the votes guys.

If you are confused as to the point of my essay:

I'm basically prompting the audience on how to respond to a magic performance. It's a serious point, both for the audience and the magician. Obviously, this article was not written for fun - I do have a message to spread.

And it doesn't matter if I win or lose - as long as I get the book.

Thanks for reading.

vote!

Wah, good leh. Vote.

vote! :wub:

manz,this is THE THING!!!haha...
Vote

very very true comments, i agree totally. the best article i've seen so far! great suggestions for magicians and spectators alike.

here's giving you my

VOTE

I've got your back dude. (P.S. yeah I DID read through it Farid!!! =D) You've got my vote.

C.

Yes Vote

IMO, this is better then the other one. Really really sweet!

VOTE

vote!

16 Votes