Spellbinding magic festival

Magic lovers - amateurs or just spectators - can enjoy the world's professional magicians showcasing the latest in tricks and illusions, as well as the old but updated favorites: sawing people in half and the Indian rope trick.

From Thursday to Sunday, the Shanghai International Magic Festival and Competition will feature internationally recognized master magicians from 10 countries and regions.

"China has an ancient tradition of magic shows and illusion," says Liu Wenguo, a festival organizer. "We will arrange several community magic performances to arouse young people's interest in this age-old art form."

Today technology makes magic even more mysterious and spectacular: stand by for some amazing illusions.

The festival will include gala performances, up-close explanations of the "secrets," a fair of magicians' props and tools and lectures on magic and the increasingly popular magic entertainment business. The most skillful, creative and innovative magicians will be honored on Sunday.

The international cast includes world-famous Las Vegas-based Kevin James, Magic Wave from the Netherlands and the French magician Omar Pasha.

Known for creating several unique effects, James will perform his signature routines - sawing a patient in half, and the "Floating Rose."

The group Magic Wave combines magic with the creation of live stage illusions, such as surf and sand.

French magician Pasha will bring his remarkable "black art" illusions, such as the legendary Indian rope trick.

From levitation to decapitation, the "black art" (utilizing darkness) can help a magician perform "miracles." A specialized type of magic, it came into its own in the 19th century when dark backgrounds and special lighting enabled stage magicians to exploit this technique to the full.

The festival will include shows of "close-up magic," which requires a high degree of proficiency in the basic skills of manipulation, sleight of hand and illusion. It is now a popular pastime among many young people.

The audience will be able to learn the secrets behind card tricks, coin-and-money tricks and other favorites.

The festival features an international fair and a magic seminar. Celebrity magicians and experts will deliver lectures on the development of the magic entertainment business.

Date: November 8-11, 7:30pm
Venue: Shanghai International Gymnastic Center, 777 Wuyi Rd
Tickets: 100-800 yuan
Tel: 021-62557427/62172426