DEFINING MAGIC
J C's Note: This is a complete revision of an essay, 'The Meaning of Modern Magic', originally written for the 'Singapore Magicians Network' in 1998.

What is magic? This is indeed a debatable topic which is discussed quite extensively in Eugene Burger’s and Robert Neale’s excellent book on magic philosophy: Magic & Meaning.

In this essay, I will present my definition of magic (solely from the point of view of magic as an entertainment art form) and explore why defining magic is important to performing magicians & illusionists.

Briefly, to myself personally, magic is:

          “An appealing presentation of an effect that stirs up feelings of  amazement, wonder, awe and the feeling of experiencing the impossible.”

I believe this is a fair definition of magic and is basically what lay audiences expect of real magic. Even if our performance of magic is merely an illusion of real magic, it should appear close enough to the real thing.

The art of illusion is generally accepted as 'big' magic where the effect created is generally larger in scale involving larger props, persons and animals. But, the objective is still the same as magic - to amaze the audience.

 The appeal of the presentation of magic and style of magic performance is also an integral component of the definition of magic as an entertainment form. The magic must appeal to the audience otherwise the audience will not even watch the magic. If the audience does not watch the magic, there is no chance for them to be amazed.

Today’s audience is much more sophisticated. Your magic is competing with the world-class cutting edge standards of MTV, theatre shows, computers games, movies etc. Mere tricks, puzzles or out-dated magic would surely be looked down upon. When you take the stage as a magician or illusionist, the audience has an in-built expectation of what there should be experiencing. Instead of seeing 'miracles', they are subjected to a series of antics employing the use of strange looking objects which enable other items to vanish, penetrate or multiply. It is no wonder that laymen do not look highly on magic in general. 

What does defining magic mean to the performing magician or illusionist?

Your definition of magic will define how you approach your magic and in turn shape the quality of your performance/ show. 
If you define magic as a sophisticated art form that transcends all cultures and ages, your magic and performance will reflect that. 
Often, a magical performer who puts pure entertainment above the art of magic will define magic as entertaining amusement and tricks. While everyone has the right to their opinion, I personally feel magic & illusion performed in this way does not do justice to the art.

 Magic & Illusion is not: 
  • Confusion
  • Tricks
  • Puzzle
  • Overt displays of skill. i.e. Fancy flourishes, showy moves, slick dance choreography with illusions

Likewise, being a magician or illusionist is not just: 
  • Having the ability to operate props
  • Have the money to buy props & illusions
  • Being a member of a magic club
  • Knowing the secrets to an effect
  • Being able to fool a few people
  • Being able to duplicate another illusionist's performance

While my definition is magic is personal and may be refuted by some (those from the school of 'do anything as long as it entertains the audience'), the resulting magic created and its impact on laymen speaks for itself. If we were to model after some of the successful magicians of today, it is highly likely that they adopt basically the same philosophy.

I end this essay with a practical exercise that will transform our approach to magic and building your show, practically overnight. Take a pen and a piece of paper and write down the answers to the following questions in one or two sentences:
  • What is magic to you? See it from the point of view of a layman audience member watching your favourite magician/ illusionist. What makes his performance of magic a magical experience to you? 
  • Based on your personal definition of magic, how can you approach your performance/ presentation of magic to create your defined magical experience for you audience?
  • What performance style will best help you create your defined magical experience for your audience? 
  • Do the effects, routines and illusions in your current performance repertoire help you create your defined magical experience for your audience?

If you answered the above questions honestly, it will be obvious how powerful this exercise is. By clearly defining your concept of magic, it becomes effortlessly apparent what your performance character should be and what magic effects, illusions and routines will work best for you in creating your defined magical experience for your audience.

Your path to creating the best possible show and character for your audience also becomes crystal clear. For the performing magician or illusionist, this means instinctively knowing exactly where and what you should be investing your valuable time, money and resources in. A priceless outcome from a simple exercise!


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