Bags full of magic tricks bring back golden days of Mahabali

Myth and magic: Child magician Samson Sunny as Mahabali (left) and his counterpart, Mohammed Shanu in the attires of Vamana do magic at the Onam Magic Fest organised by the Magic Academy on 11th of Sept.

Thiruvananthapuram: Magical translations to the Mevelinadu (country of King Mahabali) of equality, justice, happiness and satisfaction at the Onam Magic Fest organised by the Magic Academy today (11/09/10). The magic competitions organised for the first time with theme Maveli, Vamanan and the good old days, were proved entertaining and enigmatic. For example, during the first prize winning show by child prodigy Mohammed Shanu who came in the guise of Vamana was clearly pushing into the earth and vanishing Samson Sunny who was there in the role of Mahabali. Not over the team ‘Five Fingers’ also showed reincarnation of the Mahabali. When these legendary characters visited homes of the present, women and children were found astonishing them by offering them a full-fledged ‘Ona Sadhya’ deftly produced from thin air. Shanu was adeptly aided by his team of junior magicians, Nadhiya, Aleena and Anamika.

Magical bliss: Magic girl Varnana S. Devi (left), boy magician Rajeev (middle) and their magic partner Rohit on the stage of Maveli Magic Competition.

The first prize in seniors was fetched by Shahabas Khan and team. Khan’s was a magic play themed on the good old days of Mahabali. The poor and the rich who are equally treated at the palace of the King was depicted through magical visuals. Magician who entered the court of the King in the guise of a snake charmer not only produced a snake out of his basket, but also turned ropes into stiff rods. The magician’s assistant was skilfully suspended on air to the enjoyment of the King.

Magic before the King: Magician Shahabas Khan Vilakath (second left) present a sword through human neck trick as his associate magician Haris Thaha look on in the guise of Mahabali during the senior category competition.

Malavika from Kollam who depicted Maveli’s transition into a girl won second prize in junior category. For a weeping girl, garlands, pookkalam and a full course of meals were produced out of nothing.

Over sixty magicians from across the State and neighbouring Tamil Nadu took part in the festivities. Participants were offered an Ona Sadhya in traditional style. Master classes in magic by Honorary Director, R. Raja Moorthy and Hyderabad’s renowned magician, Ch. Shyam carried their counterparts to newer horizons of magical wisdom.

Winners: Team Five Fingers led by girl magician Nadhia (fourth from right) that won first prize in junior category Maveli Magic contests receives crystal trophy from the member of Kerala Sahitya Akademi, Dr. P.S. Sreelatha.

Earlier, the fest was inaugurated by the General Secretary of the Purogamana Kala Sahitya Sangham, Prof. V.N. Murali. The function was presided over by Honorary Director of the Academy, Chandrasenan Mithirmala. A greetings message from the Executive Director of the Academy, Gopinath Muthukad who was in London was read on the occasion. Honorary Director of the Academy, R. Raja Moorthy offered keynote address and magician from Hyderabad, Ch. Shyam was guest of honour. General Manager of the Academy, K.P. Sivakumar and Programme Officer, Arun Kumar G. spoke.

Winning smiles: Second prize winner of Maveli Magic competition for juniors, girl magician Malavika of Kollam (second right) receives her crystal trophy from Dr. P.S. Sreekala.

District Secretary of the Vanitha Sahithy, Dr. P.S. Sreekala distributed crystal trophies sponsored by the Style Plus to the winners. Winners staged their prize winning acts during the closing ceremony. Adv. Hariraj, a faculty member of the Kochi branch of the Academy offered felicitations.

(Below) Magician Shahabaskhan Vilakath (third right) receives first prize in senior category.

Magicians to perform as 'Mahabali' at Magic Fest

Onam Magic Fest brochure that was released in Malayalam, the State language of Kerala.

Thiruvananthapuram: At the Magic Academy led by Gopinath Muthukad, the vivacity of Onam is still in the air. The Academy is organising a variety of programmes on 11th of September for which around 50 magicians from the State are expected to assemble. Christened, ‘Onam Magic Fest’ the one-day event will have master classes and magic competitions for the participants.

General Secretary of the Purogamana Kala Sahithya Sangham, Prof. V.N. Murali will inaugurate the event at 9.30am. Honorary Director of the Academy, Chandrasenan Mithirmala will preside over. Master class on body loading techniques will be led by Hyderabad’s acclaimed magician, Ch. Shyam. Another class by an honorary director and faculty chief of the Academy, R. Raja Moorthy will lead magician to upper levels of modern close-up magic. In between, served for lunch will be a full-fledged traditional ‘Ona Sadhya’ on green leaves.

Adding spice to the programmes, will be a ‘Maveli Magic Competition’ for seniors and juniors at 1.30pm wherein magicians in the guise of the Asura King, 'Mahabali' will be competing to relive the glorious past through magical demonstrations. The King was synonym to justice, equality and good rule who was sent down beneath the world, by Lord Vishnu who came as a petite Brahmin boy. Not only this magical myth, but also the good time of the Asura King's rule will be relived by magicians on stage. Introduced for the first time, Maveli Magic will allow team presentations by magicians. Already three troupes of the seniors and three junior troupes from different parts of the State have registered for these competitions.

Crystal trophies sponsored by the Style Plus will be distributed to the winners during a valedictory at 5.30pm. A performance by the first and second prize winners will add charm to the closing ceremony. Evening gala shows are open for public.

Magic blooms as floral designs spread

Five Fingers, a troupe of child magicians bag first prize in 'Pookkalam' competitions at the Magic Academy.
Team, Five Fingers receives first prize from the Executive Director of the Magic Academy, Gopinath Muthukad during the Athapookkalam competition held for the magic students at the Wonder World auditorium of the Academy today. The competition was themed on magic and only flowers and leaves were permitted to make the designs. Pookkalam is an indelible element of the State festival, Onam of Kerala.

Pookkalam that fetched the first prize.

Team Spark (left) and Team Thunder Boys respectively receive second and third prizes for Pookkalam.

Pookkalams created by the second (left) and third prize winning teams.

Fourth prize winning 'Cool Boys' and their Pookkalam.

Raja Moorthy and Shyam to make it a day

81st Perfect Performer Course for magicians, is Onam Magic Fest.

Thiruvananthapuram: Vivacity of the State festival of Onam is going to cast a spell at the 81st Perfect Performer Course at the Magic Academy on 11th of September. Much awaited magic classes by acclaimed magic masters, discount sale of magic props, traditional feast and innovative ‘Maveli-Magic’ competitions are going to make the day memorable.

Master classes by Hon. Director of the Magic Academy, R. Raja Moorthy and Hyderabad’s magic pride, Ch. Shayam are going to offer a feast of knowledge from close-up and body loading chapters of magical art. The feast of knowledge will be followed by real feast of tasty dishes comprising of rice, accompanied by an array of spicy curries and sweet preparations. To match to the essence of Onam, food will be served in traditional style on green leaves.

Furthering the excitement will be a groundbreaking magic competition themed on Mahabali and Vamana legendary characters to whose name the origin of the Onam festival is connected. Titled, ‘Maveli-Magic’, this competition will find a number of magic troupes (up to six people on stage) proving their talents to fetch the prizes.

Extended discount sale at the store is sure to bring a smile on the faces of those who care one’s pocket. For early registration, call 0471 2358910. Email: magicacademyindia@gmail.com.

Onam Greetings

Gopinath Muthukad and the family of Magic Academy extend hearty good wishes and greetings on the occasion of the State festival of Kerala, Onam, to all visitors of this blog!

Month-long discount sale begins

Awesome sale: For the people of Kerala, the State festival of Onam is also an occasion for buying prudently things of need. At Magic Academy's shop, magician Nipin Niravath inaugurated (left) 'Onam Magic Discount Sales' today morning. Magicians who gathered for the 80th Perfect Performer Course at the Academy had a good time of purchasing quality magic wares with a wholesome discount of 10-20%. Discount was offered in cash and kind according to the preference of the buyers. The discount sales will continue till Onam Magic Fest on 11th of September.

Onam Magic Fest on 11th of September

Thiruvananthapuram: On the occasion of the State festival of Onam in Kerala, the Magic Academy will be organising one-day Onam Magic Fest for magicians. Master classes in magic by the Honorary Director of the Academy, R. Raja Moorthy and Hyderabad’s renowned magician, Shyam would turn the day beneficial. Besides this feast of knowledge, there will be traditional Onam feast served on plantain leaves. A unique competition for Kerala magicians on magic shows themed on the myth of King Mahabali and Vamana would also be organised. Registration fee Rs. 250 and competition fee (only for Kerala magicians) Rs.100. Phone 0471 2358910. Email: magicacademyindia@gmail.com.

Freedom to teach and to be taught

[Editorial appeared in the August number of Vismayam Magical News]

Magic grows into a flowering branch of entertainment tree with the grace of artistic talents of its performers. It sustains with the support of scientific inventions and technological growth.

From Arctic to Antarctic, magic tricks are the same. But its performers vary, their creativity differ and the supporting aspects of science vary.

When in the beginning decades of 20th century, Harlan Tarbell conducted a postal course in magic, no English magician feared of a bleak future. When Tarbell, due to a recession in 1930s released his course notes in the form of 7-volume Tarbell’s Course in Magic, nobody was shocked. Instead our predecessors in magic gladly accepted it as their Bible in magic.

If everybody learn the same trick and perform, who will enjoy? This is a common concern quite often heard in the magic circles. But there is nothing to be concerned about this.

Classroom study makes all equal. But only creativity makes us different. In short, learning magic means undertaking the responsibility of being creative. To be a magician is not a job told for idle persons. Good lot of responsibility is needed while teaching, learning and presenting magic. It is essential that to be successful, a magician needs to be agile, aspiring and inclined to learn and teach.

Hand in hand, we celebrated the 63rd Independence Day of the country only a week ago. On this occasion, let us do not forget that freedom is there, to teach and to be taught. So in magic, let us take more and give more.

Hearty Onam greetings to all!

Registrations progress for Onam Magic Fiesta

Magicians from in and out of Kerala respond overwhelmingly for the upcoming one-day Onam Magic Fiesta slated for 12th of September. Registration progresses as the teachers of the day prepare for giving their best to the participants. Lead faculty from The Magic Space, Bangalore, magician Gogo; expert teacher in conjuring magic, Leons George and accomplished young performer Abhinraj are to lead the classes. Mr. Gogo's class will go from 10.30am to 1pm. Mr. George and Mr. Abhinraj will share the afternoon session with one-hour classes. These teachers are planning for an exceptional training in some of the rarest areas of magical performances. These include variants of conjuring skills, rope magic and close-up techniques.

Registrations can be done over phone: 0471 2358910 during office hours and email: magicacademyindia@gmail.com. Registration fee is Rs.400.

Schedule for the day is as follows:

9.30am: Registration/Reporting
10.15am: Inauguration
10.30am: Class by magician Gogo
11.15am: Tea
11.30am: Gogo's class resumes
1pm: Lunch
2pm: Class by Leons George (Ropes)
3pm: Class by Abhinraj (Close-up)
4pm: Tea
4.15pm: Magic show by Mr. Leons George
4.35pm: Day winds up

Welcoming Onam

Floral rabbit: Today, on the front yard of their office, staffs of the Magic Academy spread this floral carpet bearing design of the Academy's logo: rabbit with hat, wand and a card. Petals of popularly known local flowers including 'Sooryakanthi', 'Vadamalli' and 'Jamanthi' were used for making this design. During 10 previous days of the secular State festival of Onam, it is customary in every house to gather flowers of all colours and arrange them in attractive patterns, known as 'athappookkalam'. Not in towns, but children of villages usually don't miss this opportunity of plucking morning flowers and making vibrant designs. The Academy will be closed on 1, 2, 3 of September owing to Onam holidays.

A day of magical education, entertainment for Onam

The Magic Academy and The Magic Space, Bangalore jointly gift a day-long magic fiesta.


Teaching Trinity: (Clockwise from left) Magician Gogo, lead faculty of the Magic Space, Bangalore; magician Leons George, an ever-enthusiastic teacher and magician Abhinraj, the young magician appreciated for his inventive styles of presentation.

Thiruvananthapuram: Three magic teachers and six magically drenched hours would make a captivating combo for magicians at the Magic Academy on 12th of September during the 69th Perfect Performer Course (PPC).

With the support provided by The Magic Space, Bangalore, the Academy has made arrangements to make the coming PPC a special Onam gift for magicians.

To begin the day in grandeur, The Magic Space has deputed its magic teacher, magician Satheesh Kumar, an accomplished performer of close-up and conjuring magic. Popular as ‘Magician Gogo’, his class would reflect his time-tested talent as a professional magician for over 15 years. Noted also as a film actor, Mr. Kumar is also famous for product promotion magic.

The second teacher of the day is a flaring conjurer, Leons George. Mr. George will be driving in knowledge on rope magic. He will be disentangling tricks with rope & rings, rope and flowers and rope & silk. He will also perform a 20-minute magic show.
Piloting the third class will be Abhin Raj, a disciple of the Academy having exuberant showmanship. He will be teaching latest features of close-up magic.

Feast of tastes
For gourmet delight, served will be a splendid lunch in the form of traditional ‘Ona Sadhya’ on plantain leaves accompanied by spicy curries and sweet ‘payasam’.
Registration fee for this one-day event of magical education and entertainment is just Rs.400. For more details, contact Tel: 0471 2358910 or Email: magicacademyindia@gmail.com.

Leons’ silk magic makes Onam Magic shine

Leons George performs at the Onam Magic Fest at the Wonder World auditorium of Magic Academy.

Thiruvananthapuram: For magician Leons George, a teacher by profession, flowers are not essential for making floral designs. He needs just three pieces of silks to create an amazing crescendo of colours.

At the Onam Magic Fest, he passed green, red and yellow pieces of silk from one hand to the other. When the other hand was opened, it was blank. But when it was closed and reopened, instead of three silks, there was a ceaseless flow of flamboyant silk streamers.

Joining, him, Dibya Guha from Kolkata also staged a few tricks. In one item, he introduced the book, Da Vinci Code to a spectator, who was at liberty to select any page from the book.

The secret selection of the spectator was 275 and Mr. Dibya astonished everyone by predicting the first sentence of the page, well in advance.

Magician Dibya Guha proceeding with his class on ‘Patter in Magic’.

Stage set ready for Onam Magic Fest

On 6th Sept., Magic Academy offers two magic classes, Traditional lunch, video and magic shows for magicians.

Thiruvananthapuram: As Kerala gets ready to be engulfed by the joy of Onam, its State festival, stage is being set ready for an Onam Magic Fest at the Magic Academy. The Fest is also going to be the 57th monthly PPC embellished with engrossing full day activities on 6th Sept.


Magician Leons George

Since the chief day of Onam falls on the second Saturday, the Academy has decided to shift the ensuing PPC to the first Saturday. The day will be an action packed one, comprising of two classes, one each in the fore noon and after noon; two video sessions, a grand Onam feast in the form of traditional ‘sadhya’ and magic shows. A class on Silk Magic by Leons George and another on ‘Effective Patter’ by Dibya Guha constitute the educative part of the festivities. Magic shows and video sessions add to the entertainment.


Dibya Guha

Parallel to this, held at the magic shop will be a grand Onam Sale. There will be an additional offer of 5% discount in prices of magic wares. Those who wish to avail this discount may cut the coupon given below and present it at the time of purchase. Registration fee for this Onam PPC is Rs.300.