We the People

Appreciation from the Patron

Muthukad & EC’s magic with a message

‘’You may not find it entertaining. This show is for a serious reason,’’ magician Muthukad had said with a cheering face at the very outset itself, as if forewarning those who anticipated a typical Muthukad show.

His words were backed up by Nalini Netto, Chief Electoral Officer, who acknowledged that Muthukad’s poetic licence was constrained by the Commission’s insistence on preserving the serious nature of the show.

The 25-minute-long show had plenty of video clips proclaiming the value of democracy, characters who symbolised the virtues of life in a democratic country and some magic tricks in between. Film Actor Suresh Krishna played the role of a despot who is ousted by a public upheaval. The magician brings about the end of autocracy and he makes the merciless despot vanish. The significance of democratic system is explained as an inept technocrat is coaxed to the polling booth by the ever-pleasant magician.

Finally, the magician, the despot and the crew all dressed in white line up with ‘Vande mataram’ ringing in the background. The curtains come down reminding once again the need to vote and preserve the value of democracy. A fully packed crowd was present at the Tagore Theatre to witness the show.

trivandrum@newindianexpress.com

Magic of democracy

EVENT Gopinath Muthukad used magic to create awareness on the right to vote

Thiruvanathapuram: There was magic in the air as the city's very own 'Dum-bledore' Gopinath Muthukad mesmerised 'Muggles'. Muthukad 25- minutes 'magical' skit at Tagore Theatre high lighted the right to vote.

For the People

Organised by the Kerala State Election Commission, Muthukad's performance titled 'We the People' was in a bid to educate voters and increase their participation in the process of democracy. Artistes from Muthukad's Magic Academy participated in the event.

Says Muthukad, who is known for blending magic with a social cause: "We were approached by the State Election Commission for this project. The programme's script was written by Sreekanth kottakkal, a journalist. We then showed the script to the Election Commission who gave us the green signal."

Th skit, says Muthukad, begins with footage of the recent upsurge in Libya and then shifts to the scenes on stage.

An autocrat played by actor Suresh Krishna runs the land with an iron fist. Muthukad then appears on the stage and describes to the janata the beauty of democracy.

The autocrat disappears and the democratic public in the form of a girl dressed in white fills the autocrat's empty throne.

The magic wand is waved again by Muthukad but this time on the young man who is not keen on democracy and election. The skit ends with young joining the line of the voters at a poll booth. The magician has worked his magic.

International Merlin Award for Magician Gopinath Muthukad

The world’s largest magician’s organisation, the International Magicians Society (IMS) of USA, has selected noted illusionist and stunt performer Gopinath Muthukad of Kerala for this year’s prestigious International Merlin Award. Today the famous illusionist and the Board of Director of IMS, Franz Harary formally declared the award in the press conference that held at Delhi. The Merlin Award to magic is what Oscar is to cinema.

The Jury of IMS has selected Mr. Muthukad for their paramount recognition in recognition of the inimitable contributions the magician has made for the over-a development and popularization of magical art and science during his 35 years of professional career. These include setting up of Asia’s first Magic Academy in Kerala in 1996; organizing of a series of international magic conventions titled, Vismayam in 1996, 2000, 2006 and 2008; innovation brought to magical demonstrations; re-enactments of several Houdini stunts and magical sensitization held all over India in 2002, 2005, 2007 and 2010 for fostering social values and Gandhian philosophies. Muthukad employs magic as a medium to convey his messages to society. He is also noted for his staunch crusades against social evils of tobacco, alcohol and drug abuse. Mr. Muthukad has performed in 25 countries.

The society was also impressed by the magician’s endeavours that could obtain praise even from the President and Prime Ministers of India.

The Award will be presented by the World President of the IMS, Tony Hassini on 23rd of June in New Delhi at a ceremony to be organised under the aegis of Mazma, a society for the uplift of traditional magic and performing arts in India.

Magicians from all over India will witness the International Merlin Award Ceremony in Delhi, followed by performances, showcasing Traditional Magic of India by Indian Traditional Street Magicians of society MAZMA.

This award adds Muthukad to the lineage of world renowned Magicians Franz Harary, David Copperfield, Sigfried and Roy, Penn and Teller, Criss Angel – all previous winners of the title. Following P.C. Sorcar Jr. of West Bengal, he is the second Indian magician to receive this coveted award.

The Award comprises of a captivating statuette designed in 1968 by Carol Michaud.