Modern Magic
The primal, timeless, and universal appeal of magic as a perfromance art has reappeared in the modern age with the same wonder and the same mystery but with new costumes, props, characters, and themes. Sometimes the traditional tone of supernatural mystery is maintained, but sometimes it is replaced by comedy or postmodern skepticism. Modern magic themes have also included psuedo-science, psychology, modern art, swindles and confidence art, as well as stand-up comedy and the gospel message.
The French magician Robert-Houdin, known as the "Father of Modern Magic," was the first to perform in elegant evening clothes. His influence is still seen today as magicians often choose to don modern attire--rather than wizards' robes and pointed hats--and often choose to use everyday articles such as newspapers and fruit for their magic--rather than strange-looking apparatus.
Test your knowledge of modern magic by taking the following quick quiz:
The French magician Robert-Houdin, known as the "Father of Modern Magic," was the first to perform in elegant evening clothes. His influence is still seen today as magicians often choose to don modern attire--rather than wizards' robes and pointed hats--and often choose to use everyday articles such as newspapers and fruit for their magic--rather than strange-looking apparatus.
Test your knowledge of modern magic by taking the following quick quiz:
Modern Magic Quick Quiz
Can you match the names with the descriptions of some modern magicians?
1. Dai Vernon a. "The Bad Boys of Magic"
2. David Copperfield b. Hosted the TV Show "The Magic Ranch"
3. Penn and Teller c. Cool, long-haired promoter of wonder 4. Houdini d. The Professor of modern close-up magic
5. Doug Henning e. First U.S. magician in modern China
6. David Blain f. King of magic TV specials for 15 years
7. Mark Wilson g. Name-sake of father of modern magic
8. Don Alan h. Performed magic for TV on the streets
Answers: 1.(d), 2.(f), 3.(a), 4.(g), 5.(c), 6.(h), 7.(e), 8(b)
1. Dai Vernon a. "The Bad Boys of Magic"
2. David Copperfield b. Hosted the TV Show "The Magic Ranch"
3. Penn and Teller c. Cool, long-haired promoter of wonder 4. Houdini d. The Professor of modern close-up magic
5. Doug Henning e. First U.S. magician in modern China
6. David Blain f. King of magic TV specials for 15 years
7. Mark Wilson g. Name-sake of father of modern magic
8. Don Alan h. Performed magic for TV on the streets
Answers: 1.(d), 2.(f), 3.(a), 4.(g), 5.(c), 6.(h), 7.(e), 8(b)