Poll Result (February 2009 -3)

Asked for the second instance: Does economic recession adversily affect magic field?

A big 90% say magicians are suffering the bad consequences.
Only 10% opine otherwise.

When the question was asked first in 2008 November last week, the feed back was like this:

70% said Yes
and
30% said No.

Denoting the severity of the issue, by now, the voice of "No" has lost its audibility by 20%!

Vote for issues of still more interest!

This year: JANUARY: (1 2 3 4)

FEBRUARY: (1 2)

Last Year: (2008 Jan. - Dec.)

Magic Academy distributes benefits to magicians

A milestone in the service track of the Academy


Receiving the aid: (From Left) Magician K.M. Bava, P. Balakrishnan and T.B. Haridas receive free magic wares issued by the Magic Academy, from Kozhikode Mayor, M. Bhaskaran.

Kozhikode: 21st of February marked a milestone day for the Magic Academy that has devoted itself for the service to the native magic. On the day, at the Press Club hall here, the Academy’s first ever welfare measures were distributed to 8 beneficiaries from all over the State. If three financially backward magicians received free magic equipments worth Rs.5000, each; there were five children who scored exceptional marks in the SSLC/equivalent class to receive a two-year scholarship of Rs.2500 per annum.


Encouraging gesture: (From left) Abee Shejrik Fasla, K.S. Sujith Kumar, O.T. Nikhila, T.S. Saboora and V. Lijina - children of magicians - receive educational scholarships instituted by the Magic Academy, from Kozhikode Mayor, M. Bhaskaran.

The City Mayor, M. Bhaskaran handed over free magic equipments worth Rs.5000 each to magicians, K.M. Bava (Malappuram), P. Balakrishnan (Palakkad) and T.B. Haridas (Thrissur). Educational scholarships went to Abee Shejrik Fasla, son of magician Mustafa Haji from Wayanad; Nikhila O.T., daughter of O.T. Shanmukhan of Malappuram; V. Lijina, daughter of V.C. Kolath a magician belonging to Kannur; Saboora T.S. daughter of Alappuzha-based magician Saleem T. and K.S. Sujith Kumar son of magician V. Sivadasan Nair from Thiruvananthapuram. Magician Pradeep Houdino, a well-wisher of the Academy and the proprietor of Magic World was present on the dais. Executive Director of the Academy, Gopinath Muthukad made an introductory speech. Asst. Editor of Vismayam Magical News, K.P. Sivakumar spoke on the occasion.

'Stop SAD': A show that lives by its name

Moving Magic Theatre marks the end of a fruitful journey today.


Gopinath Muthukad on action aboard his moving magic theatre.

Thiruvananthapuram: If anybody believes that alcohol has a power to give pleasure for mind and soul, Gopinath Muthukad has the answer. “In my life I have never tasted alcohol, cigarette or drugs. I have never felt any discomfort of being so”, says a confident magician, standing on the elevated stage of his Moving Magic Theatre. Saying this, he proceeds to his performances. One after the other, illusions are staged to disseminate the hazards posed by smoking, alcohol and drugs.

Transformation
Those viewers, who were not aware of the perilous consequences, took a strong pledge not to continue their bad habits. Others went back with a new resolve to fight against the poisonous substances. For example, just after a performance in Kottayam district, Mathew, a middle aged addict stepped on to the stage, caught hold of the magician’s hands, broke down in tears in confession of his affinity for narcotic substances. Then he announced his decision to abstain from the poison that would erode away his health as well as family’s wealth.

The 14-day-long travel of the magic theatre culminates successfully at Kasaragode, today.

Knitting together magic and drama

Street play: A woman breaks into tears as the first birthday of her babe is her husband's liquor party.

Thiruvananthapuram: Gopinath Muthukad has knit together threads of magic and drama in his latest endeavour, ‘Stop SAD’. Still, neither the drama has a role in the magic show nor does the magic occur amid drama scenes.

The street play is scripted by Karivellur Murali and directed by Pramod Payyannur.
The skill of the feted theatre duo is exuberant in the 35-minute play. The play depicts how Sathyapalan the protagonist, is forced to bear the curse of alcohol ever since his first birthday.

The neglect from the part of his irresponsible father plunges the family into the depths of disaster.

Later the youth along with his father makes a comes back, only to recognize that smoking, alcohol and drugs are the trio that leads to tragedies.

Vendor of venom: Youth being caught under the influence of a hooch seller.

One-day convention rekindles Vazhakunnam memories

Thrissur: A one-day meet of magicians organized jointly by the Institute of Magic & Allied Arts, here and the Yugami Arts & Sports Club, Thiruvegappura has relived memories of Vazhakunnam Neelakantan Namboodiri, the doyen of Kerala magic. As reported by the convenor, T.V. Balakrishnan, the event titled, ‘Maanthrika Sparsam 2009’ had a packed schedule of assorted activities. The day’s programme began with an inaugural function presided over by the Executive Director of the Magic Academy, Gopinath Muthukad. Noted caricaturist, Jayaraj Warrier inaugurated the event. Secretary of the Kerala Sangeeta Nataka Akademy, Prabhakaran Pazhassi offered felicitations. Memorial talks were given by magicians, Junior Mandrake, Joy Oliver, Sreekumar Kalathil, Pachu and Raghavan. Convenor of the event, T.V. Balakrishnan welcomed the guests and Sarang recorded thanks.

Winners

In the State level competitions held soon after, Sreenath R. (left), son of magician Sreekumar Kalathil emerged first to clinch the coveted Vazhakunnam memorial ever rolling trophy. The second and third places were owned respectively by Yadunath Palliyath of Kasaragode and Leons George of Pala. Mr. George, who is closer to the Academy as a magic trainer and performer, has informed VMN that the win has made him happy.

In the junior level competition, Sanjusha Sathish (photo, right, Vatakara) has outshined other contestants to bag first prize. Second and third prizes went to Aswin Raj (Ernakulam) and Madhu Manohar (Thrissur). Master Richin (Kottayam) got a consolation prize. Prizes were sponsored by Dubai-based Kerala magician, Tomy Manjooran.

Palladam Yona, Nilambur Pradeep Kumar and Pradeep Houdino were present. K.S. Ramesh presented ‘Journey through magic’, a seminar.

AP magicians take a dip in a day of magic

Magic family: Magicians Stick Manohar, Master Mohit, J.V. Ramana Rao and G. Sreenivas, winners of Jadu Ratna Award, pose for a photo along with other magicians, on the occasion of the 26th State level convention of Andhra Pradesh magicians in Guntur.

Guntur: 26th State level magic convention of Andhra Pradesh magicians was held here on 25th January with all gaiety and glister, reports Kakinada Sreenivas. A blindfold motorbike riding by Ramyasree was a curtain raiser for the event. Notable was the presence of 160 magicians and five magic dealers who enlivened the day.

Competitions
In a competition between junior magicians, Shaily Rangrez was adjudged the winner. She was followed by Ramyasree and Prawallika in the 2nd and 3rd positions. In the senior category contests, Sudhir Anand, Rohini Kant and Murali Krishna correspondingly became the first, 2nd and 3rd prize winners. Teaching classes by Stick Manohar, Pasala Bhimanna and G. Sreenivas were well received by the delegates.

Office bearers
On the occasion, a new committee for the organization was also elected into power, with magician B.N.S. Kumar as president. Others: Y. Venkateswara Rao (Secretary), G. Sreenivas (Vice President) Reghu Babu (Jt. Secretary) and R.C. Sekhar (Treasurer). J.V. Raman Rao, Mr. Manohar, Master Mohit and G. Sreenivas were honoured on the occasion. Adding glamour to the concluding part was gala performances by Ms. Shaily Rangrez and J.V. Raman Rao.

‘Adbhut 2009’ in May

Palwal: This city in Haryana, just an hour’s drive away from Delhi, will host a three-day magic festival titled, ‘Adbhut 2009’ during 23-25 May 2009. A run of the mill stuff? Never. The event would be as innovative as its name. The whole event would be dedicated for upholding the mantras against nuclear proliferation and global terrorism. Sounds something of contemporary relevance, na?
The pluses do not end with this. Gala show by star magicians and lecture cum demos by expert masters in the field would be there to captivate those inclined to learn something. Also awaiting you is a sweet offer of free registration for your spouse. Eager to know more? Contact: Jadugar Samrat Shri Ram; Tel: 09416945295; 09050481724; Email: magicshriram@indiatimes.com.

Stamps in memory of Sorcar Sr.

Kolkata: Fans of P.C. Sorcar Sr., whose legendary life is still a guiding light, can now remain happy. The magician who has left eternal stamps of showmanship and artistry, will soon relive through postal stamps released by the India Post. This glad news was shared with media persons by his proud son, P.C. Sorcar Jr. He also said there were requests that the stamp cover be released by February 23, before the 96th birth day of the wizard king. “But I don’t know if that would be possible”, the Jr. added.

Award for Indrajeet

Thane: Veteran magician, Indrajeet was awarded with ‘Nagar-Ratna’ by the Thane-based Nagar Vikas Manch. According to the Manch, the recognition was in due honour of his efforts in popularizing the art of magic in the society. Four more people from different walks of life were among the awardees.