Astonishing. Historical. Sophisticated.
That’s how Mark Kalin, aka The Showman, describes the Illusionists 1903, a breath-taking show that aims to redefine classic magic.
Kalin, an award-winning magician and illusionist, is the creative director of the show, which made its debut last January in Brisbane, Australia.
The show re-visits the 20th century, a time when American magicians were catapulted from performing in street fairs to dazzling on stage in the most respected theatres of the day.
“Magicians literally were the rock stars of the day,” said Kalin. “For the first time, during this unique period, magicians found themselves centre stage with the curtain up and appreciative audiences inspiring them to create even more amazing miracles.”
Unfortunately, the golden age was short-lived. From 1919 to 1925, the number of theatres in the US presenting magicians decreased from 1,000 to just 100.
“With The Illusionists 1903, I think we can look forward by looking back,” explained Kalin. “It was a great time for magic and my personal hope is that this show can re-inspire audiences and magicians alike.”
Kalin hopes to reintroduce audiences to the magic that was performed at the height of its popularity, to share with us what he has known his entire life “magic can be more than tricks. It can bridge gaps, bring a sense of wonder to families… and bring an age-old art to new generations”.
According to Kalin, magic has evolved, but not necessarily for the better, as a result of shorter attention spans and the popularity of YouTube videos, which don’t do the art justice.
“Magic is inherently an art that must be performed live,” explained Kalin, “and with shows like The Illusionists we are starting to see a resurgence in public interest”.
Kalin recognises the challenge that magicians face to provide audiences with new things to see: “Great care has been invested in creating something that presents magic in a new way – actually a very old way.”
In The Illusionists 1903, audiences can expect classic tricks ranging from the infamous bullet catch, sleight of hand, levitations as well as a new trick created by Kalin called ‘the impossible’, a full-stage production that mentally challenges audiences.
As for his favourite trick in the show: “The finale levitation, presented just as it was 100 years ago. I like to watch the faces of the audience as they experience it for the first time. It is a look of true wonder.”
The Cast
Here is the line-up of stars in The Illusionists 1903.
The Eccentric
AKA Charlie Frye
The performers’ favourite act to watch, “a human force of nature” as Kalin describes him. He performs a mix of physical comedy, with a world-class juggling act and sleight of hand tricks.
The Conjuress
AKA Jinger Leigh
Don’t be fooled by her calm and peaceful presence…she’s a mistress of the occult and the mystical.
The Showman
AKA Mark Kalin
In collaboration with Jinger, Kalin performs the life threatening ‘bullet catch’, a trick that according to legend has claimed the lives of 12 magicians.
The Clairvoyants
AKA Amélie and Thommy
The award-winning pair displays amazing psychic abilities with the ‘second sight’ act.
The Escapologist
AKA Krendl
Krendl will recreate one of
the most dangerous and daring tricks from the golden age: Harry Houdini’s water cell, performed for the audience in full view.
The Charlatan
AKA Dana Daniels
The audience is usually too busy laughing to catch this award-winning magician-comedian’s sneaky tricks.
WORDS Yara Nasif
