Back in 2016, I wrote a post that started with a quote from Harper Lee. She said, “Nobody loves breathing.” She was referring to the fact that nobody really appreciates breathing – until they can’t. In the post, I drew the connection between that sentiment and the experience of attending live magic events.
I could not have predicted how true those similarities would become in 2020.
When we announced the cancellation of our spring tour of the Real Magic Roadshow on March 11th, I had no idea how many cancellations would soon follow. A few weeks ago, I was standing in Blackpool, England at the world’s largest magic convention and now - for the foreseeable future - there simply are no live in person shows or conventions.
Anywhere.
As someone who has spent a huge portion of my life rallying behind the live magic experience - this is a very strange time. Many magicians have quickly developed some virtual version of their live magic self. There have been some amazingly generous and wonderful magic experiences shared online. But the silence that fills the moment just after some miraculous deed has been done in a web video is somehow more quiet than just a lack of noise. I’m not sure there’s a word for that level of silence – but we may have to coin one soon.
In the grand scheme of things, magic may seem pretty low on the list right now.
But in the midst of all this, I’m reminded of how precious the live experience is and how much it takes from our lives when it’s gone. In all honesty, I can’t bring myself to remove the now cancelled events from my schedule. I’m keeping them there as a reminder that when this is over - the future will have more magic. And with any luck, its temporary absence will remind us how it’s on each of us to nurture it back to health.
Deep breath everyone.
I could not have predicted how true those similarities would become in 2020.
When we announced the cancellation of our spring tour of the Real Magic Roadshow on March 11th, I had no idea how many cancellations would soon follow. A few weeks ago, I was standing in Blackpool, England at the world’s largest magic convention and now - for the foreseeable future - there simply are no live in person shows or conventions.
Anywhere.
As someone who has spent a huge portion of my life rallying behind the live magic experience - this is a very strange time. Many magicians have quickly developed some virtual version of their live magic self. There have been some amazingly generous and wonderful magic experiences shared online. But the silence that fills the moment just after some miraculous deed has been done in a web video is somehow more quiet than just a lack of noise. I’m not sure there’s a word for that level of silence – but we may have to coin one soon.
In the grand scheme of things, magic may seem pretty low on the list right now.
But in the midst of all this, I’m reminded of how precious the live experience is and how much it takes from our lives when it’s gone. In all honesty, I can’t bring myself to remove the now cancelled events from my schedule. I’m keeping them there as a reminder that when this is over - the future will have more magic. And with any luck, its temporary absence will remind us how it’s on each of us to nurture it back to health.
Deep breath everyone.
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