Magic couple amazed at Amogh's paintings

Colourful memories: Amogh B.J., student of the Magic Academy had a blessed occasion of presenting his paintings to magicians Luna Shimada and Losander during the day of Maya 2010. Amogh needed nearly 3 months for perfecting the portraits of the celebrated magic couple.

Grand finale for Maya 2010

Burning passion: Luna Shimada performs on the stages of Maya 2010.

Thiruvananthapuram: With all its grandeur, the world’s first convention of woman magicians came to a close at 6.30pm on 30th of May. In front of an august gathering, stage was turned aglow with flames of vibrant magic by the world's most celebrated magic couple, Luna Shimada and Losander.

The magic couple definitely lived to the huge expectations of the audience. It was a bliss for the eyes to see show smoothly the parasols were created one after the other by the deft hands of Mrs. Shimada.

Emperor of Levitation: Losander's graceful show of levitating table, his own creation, during Maya 2010 finale.

For Mr. Losander, each item was his own brainchild. When he presented the levitation table inviting a small boy to the stage, it was one of the loveliest scenes. He simply floored the spectators with tremendous lot of grace, beauty and skill. Even his thumb tip act could give the feel of watching a show far ahead of some of the great illusions. And at the conclusion, there was the most fitting gesture to express the whole respect and boundless of love for these guests who travelled a long distance to make Maya 2010 brighter with magic: a standing ovation.



Magic couple honoured: Kerala's Minister for Health, P.K. Sreemathi honours Las Vegas magic thrillers and guest performers of Maya 2010 by presenting mementos. On the dais are (from left): magician and former chief secretary of the State, Lizzie Jacob, patron of the Magic Academy, O.N.V. Kurup and the chief organiser of the Maya 2010, Gopinath Muthukad.

The function thereafter on stage was attended by the Minister for Health, P.K. Sreemathi, Minister for Law and Sports, M. Vijayakumar, Chairperson of the Kerala State Women's Commission, Justice D. Sreedevi, former Chief Secretary turned magician, Lizzie Jacob, Magic Academy's Patron, O.N.V. Kurup and the Executive Director of the Academy, Gopinath Muthukad. Mementos were presented by Mrs. Sreemathi in honour of the magic duo. The function had a duration just to honour rest of the lady stars of the two days. Consequently, mementos of honour were presented to the magical trinity, Ammu, Indushree and Pear Bhumgara who rode mopeds blindfolded on the previous day as a forerunner to the event. Then it was time for showing respect for ventriloquism artiste, Jayam Jammu and composer, Nitha for setting an attractive group dance for the inaugural function held in the morning.

Following first and second prize winners were also handed over with trophies and certificates. Kitchen Magic: Magic Mano, Coimbatore (1st); Pearl Bhumgara, Mumbai (2nd)Close-up Magic: Zenia Bhumgara, Mumbai (1st); Nadhiya S.M., Thiruvananthapuram (2nd)Conjuring Jr: Ramyasree, Hyderabad (First); Nadhiya SM, Thiruvananthapuram(2nd)
Conjuring Sr.: Pearl Bhumgara, Mumbai (1st); Indushree, Bangalore (2nd).

Magic spread its wings of wonders once again with the performance by first prize winners. The feast for the eyes was further garnished with a mesmerising shadow play by Mrs. Jammu. Ms. Indushree has literally spellbound viewers with her much skilled ventriloquism deputing three puppet assistants.

Magic-rich Maya

Luna-Losander duo heightens hope. Jayam Jammu, Poornima Prahlad, Indushree, Pearl Bhumgara and Ammu to display country’s female strength in magic. Kerala State Youth Welfare Board and Kerala State Women’s Development Corporation back the unique event.

Thiruvananthapuram: “The one day that benefits you more than a thousand days” was the slogan raised by the Magic Academy, ever since it announced the female-oriented historic event, ‘Maya 2010’. And now the programme schedule is finalized to keep up the essence of that slogan. 30th of May will have a bright beginning at 7.30am when all the delegates gather at the reporting spot set up at the Hassan Maraikar Hall, adjacent to the main venue, A.K.G. Memorial Hall.

Beginning session will have everything for the mind and body of the participants. Scrumptious breakfast, soulful performance by a handful of leading magic dealers and pretty convention bags are to provided for the delegates to give the first impression.

The first ever festival of female magicians will be then inaugurated at 9.45am at the main venue by the Minister for Health and Social Welfare, P.K. Sreemathi. Secretary, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Usha Titus will be present.

The brief function will be followed by one thing that is anxiously awaited by the delegates – erudite lecture class by the world’s No.1 lady magician, Luna Shimada. Before a delicious lunch is served at 12.30noon, peppy competition events in Close-up magic and very newly introduced Kitchen magic will happen.

The afternoon session begins at 1.30pm with competitions in Stage Magic by seniors that will be followed by a pedagogic teaching session by none other than Losander the ‘Emperor of Levitation Art’ in magic.

Stage Magic competitions for junior candidates will be held before the closing ceremony starts at 6.30pm. Then an array of leading female magic stars line up and present the best of their talents.

The gala begins with a spectacular performance by the magic couple, Luna and Losander.

Jayam Jammu with her famed shadow play, Indushree and her renowned talking dolls and Poornima Acharya with her stylish illusions are also among the performers.

Not over, the first and second prize winners will also display their winning performances.

Luna Shimada and Losander to land for Maya 2010

Thiruvananthapuram: The world’s first woman magicians’ meet will be held on 30th of May in Thiruvananthapuram by the Magic Academy. The Academy's main inspiration for going for such a unique event is simply the theme - Equal rights, equal opportunities: Progress for all – of this year’s International Women’s Day.

World's no. 1 magic family

As registrations start mounting up, world's no. 1 woman magician, Luna Shimada has confirmed her presence with family for the Maya 2010. She will offer a daytime class for her counterparts and an evening gala performance. A Las Vegas thriller, Luna is daughter of legendary Japanese magician Shimada. Her entry to the world of wonders was at the age of 12, as an assistant for her father. For Maya 2010, Luna will be accompanied by her husband Losander, who is widely described as the emperor of the art of levitation, and their eight-year-old daughter Tara. With his majestic appearance similar to the ancient Nordic Wizard, Mr. Losander is sure to keep his Indian counterparts under his spell. He is also coming ready to take a class and give an evening performance.

Competitions only for ladies

Another attraction of the event is that all categories of competitions are exclusively reserved for woman magicians. Besides regular Stage and Close-up categories, there will be Kitchen Magic, a thoroughly new section for the participants to contest. Contestants for this category have to appear in the guise of a typical Indian housewife and work magic using more kitchen utensils and vegetables than common magic equipments. And the jury, of course would comprise of a female member.

Dealers have started lining up

Three major dealers have already registered for the event. More dealers are in the queue. Male magicians can also attend the event. Groups comprising of two or more participants must be led by a female magician. Magicians who wish to take part in the event may contact Maya 2010, Magic Academy, Poojappura (PO), Thiruvananthapuram 695012 India, phone 0091 471 2358910. A Magic Sister will be providing answers to queries at email womanmagicians@gmail.com