With just five days to go before the opening of famous Chinese magician Li Ning's "The Legend of Magic," the master of illusion says he is confident and excited about his latest showcase of mystery.
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Li Ning in action at the China Pingju Opera Theater, June 8. [CFP]
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"I want to present the full range of my magic skills in a variety of styles, including teleportation, escapology, levitation, audience interaction, large-scale and close-up magic," Li said.
"The Legend of Magic" is a follow-up on Li's 2004 production, the nation's first magic gala and a show that shot Li to stardom.
Li's new production is a culmination of all that he has learnt to date and is a modern interpretation of the ancient craft including drama, music, dance and other performance arts.
"My new show only contains about 20 percent of the 2004 gala. Working with a famous magic-props maker in Las Vegas, who used to work with David Copperfield and other magic masters, has enabled me to better present my ideas on stage," Li said.
"The Legend of Magic" is a journey across India, Egypt, Europe and China with Li playing different roles in each setting such as an Egyptian prince, a knight, a magical elf in a castle and a young man in old Shanghai.
Li will open the show with his famous "Three Transformations," an act that brought him fame and notoriety as the first Asian to win the International Golden Magic Wand Award in 2001. Inspired by the facial mask changes in traditional Sichuan opera, "Three Transformations" changes face, costume and umbrella all at the same time and instantly.
Magic in China is regarded as a genre of acrobatics and in the past was treated as a sideshow for public entertainment. While applauding foreign magicians' world tours in China each year, domestic audiences have traditionally been less interested in local magicians.
However, Taiwan-based magician Liu Qian generated a magic boom after his performance in the 2009 Spring Festival Gala. These days magic shows are gaining more popularity on TV and as numerous magic stores open across the country, more and more young people are becoming enticed into the art of performing.
Li said that despite the increased interest, magic in China is just beginning.
"Magic hasn't entered the mainstream in China yet, it has just started and the whole chain needs to be built," he explained. "It is much more popular in the west where the magic market is mature."
Magic shops in New York, London and other major cities offer a comprehensive range of magic products to satisfy consumers at all levels.
