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Magic on the move
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Magicians Chris Korn and J.B. Benn come to Mumbai with their street magic
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Conjurers J.B. Benn: ‘Bringing magic to the street is a challenge. There is a 360 degree wide audience who can be very sharp’
For magicians Chris Korn and J.B. Benn, this was their first time in India performing street magic; the closest they had come was Bhutan.
The two magicians from U.S.A were in Mumbai shooting six episodes for AXN’s “Magic Asia”. J.B. Benn said he started out late in the field of magic. “I was 13 years old when I got a magic kit and I kept following the instructions and practising. I just kept reading to get the hang of it.”
J.B, who hails from St. Louis, Missouri, feels that street magic is quite different from stage magic. “Bringing magic to the street is a challenge. There is a 360 degree wide audience who can be very sharp – one has to be well-practised to be able to make magic happen.” He says that the situation changes from location to location.
“India has a long history of magic. I met a local magician on the street who had a very different style of performance in the way of the props and display range that he incorporates and uses,” says the magician who has been performing for 25 years.
When it came to acceptance and attention one the street, J.B. felt that the people were very warm, friendly and receptive to their magic. “I wish we had a little more time here”, says the artist who has been in Mumbai for two weeks.
J.B. also got a chance to enjoy a slice of Indian life and culture. “There was a wedding parade on the streets, complete with a dance performance. We joined in and performed some magic for them – it was a colourful and joyous experience!”
The magician feels that appreciation for magic does not quite differ from modern city to a quiet town. “We make our magic work anywhere. I don’t feel that people in the city are sceptical about magic. Magic has an element of mystique that attracts people from everywhere, apart from it being an art that transcends all languages and cultural barriers.” He feels that magic is a visual art. So far, Mumbai has been full of energy and vibrancy in response to their magic.
Chris Korn and J.B. Benn have been travelling and performing together for the last ten years in countries ranging from Asia, Europe, U.S.A to the Caribbean Islands.
AYESHA MATTHAN
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