It's the day before FISM Beijing starts and I've discovered that not only has YouTube been banned by the Chinese government, we can't access FaceBook or even TypePad (the blogging platform I use) from within China.
So, if you are logging in to http://www.MagicUnlimited.Typepad.com to read the daily updates I'm doing the best I can under very challenging conditions.
Somehow I've been able to update the text of the blog but photos don't seem to be inserting correctly, so I'm adding them to the blog's Photo Album section accessible in the right hand column of the blog and titled BEIJING FISM 2009.
Everyone seems to be here in Beijing now, with their own unique "travel dramas" to tell, and the main problem I can see over the next week is that very few people here (including the FISM staff) speak much English at all. Communications have been difficult at best.
Also the walkway from the CNCC Grand Hotel to the China Convention Centre... isn't finished. Which means that everyone who booked into the Grand because of it's promised easy access, has to walk a block to the Intercontinental Hotel to enter the CNCC that way...
Minor problems I guess, and everyone's spirits are high, so here we go with what's been dubbed the most "controversial" FISM for some time.
I'm looking forward to it and, internet access permitting, I'll try to update my blog as often as possible!
Registered: 07/18/01
Posts: 12775
Loc: Washington DC
I also made it in today. The CNCC Grand hotel opened four days ago and their English is spotty, so be patient. It's also very hot and humid. I had a sweating match with Charles Gauci walking back to the hotel today.
They are no longer taking the temperature of people on the planes. You are screened by thermal imaging as you walk to immigration. Entering the country went very smoothly.
The program is beautifully done and promises lots of great talent on the shows.
As you may have already read - the hordes are descending on Beijing for FISM. Thankfully no reports of any quarantine issues yet :-) Although you play russian roulette every time you return to your hotel passing through the dreaded thermal scanner. One misstep and you're out ...
The city is hot & humid, the Olympic Park area in which the convention centre is located glistens in the sun and so far no major problems. The two main convention centre hotels overlook the Birds Nest Stadium & Water Cube arena ... so you can't shake the feeling that what you're seeing is manufactured reality. The drive from the airport here for instance had more vegetation and lush 'forests' en-route than I've seen in some national parks. Not the image of smoking metropolis that I thought was Beijing - but then that's what they want you to believe.
This is China after all. Facebook is banned ( as is Tim Ellis' blog :-) and there is a policeman on every corner. It's an interesting mix.
But onto the magic.
After braving the "epic" walk from the CNCC Grand Hotel to the Convention Centre in the searing heat ( the promised bridge connecting the two having done a vanishing act ) I was over-joyed to see that the powers-that-be saw it fit to have registration open early ( thank you! ) Registration was a breeze with a not a soul in sight ( snaking lines from IBM SAM now a distant memory )
The registration kits is one of the best FISM ones yet. They've gone all out - attache case, commemorative stamps, baby pink tshirt, pins, fan ( yes a fan ), full colour brochure, magic set, cards etc. Beautifully put together and really sets the stage for something special.
But whether expectation will meet reality remains to be seen. Tomorrow is day one - and the programme is sparse - only kicking off with the opening ceremony at 4:30 pm - the dealers running for the course of the day. Also having looked through the programme comes the worrying factor that plagues all conventions - over exposure. It's deja vu with so many of the performers - Topas, Jeff McBride, Peter Marvey, Lennart Green etc. Will they have new material ? Let's hope so ... otherwise we could be on a repeat cycle.
Magic is definitely in the air :-)
Edited by Dustin Stinett (07/26/0902:58 PM) Edit Reason: subject line only
Registered: 07/22/01
Posts: 6493
Loc: Southern California
Here’s a little time zone technical tidbit for those who are as time-challenged as I am: As I write this, it’s 2:42AM Sunday, July 26 in Beijing. So they are 12 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Time (the time stamp the Genii Forum uses).
I think.
Edited by Dustin Stinett (07/26/0902:56 PM) Edit Reason: subject line only
We got through immigration without incident and arrived at our hotel pretty exhausted after a 24 hour trip.
Our hotel is as advertised and very nice but, when I arrived at the gym this morning I found some staff sleeping in there! I was told it didnt open till 9am though the hotel book says 6. I asked about it at the desk and spoke to a girl who was wearing a hello kitty blankie.
We dialed down for bottled water and a bleary-eyed gent in casual clothes arrived looking like he just got dragged out of bed. So far it's all quite amusing though the novelty may wear thin.
I'm looking forward to registering and spending a day meeting friends but I'm hoping to see lots of new acts as the week unfolds.
As Craig said, there is a scanner in our Hotel too though, so far, no one has asked us to go through it.
As stated, Twitter and Blogging is out of the question here so I guess the Genii Forum is the place to catch up...
Here's to a great week.
P
Edited by Dustin Stinett (07/26/0902:55 PM) Edit Reason: subject line only
Registered: 07/18/01
Posts: 12775
Loc: Washington DC
You will note that it's easy to bypass the thermal sensors by simply stepping to the side before you walk through them. I have done this just to see what would happen and no one paid any attention. Craig's line about "Russian Roulette" is baloney--if you're not running a high fever, there's no reason to worry about the scanner. It's so hot here that walking any distance raises your body temperature and you start sweating like a pig. Unless you have a high fever, and are genuinely sick (in which case you should be in bed anyway and not walking around infecting everyone else) there is absolutely nothing to worry about.
As Dustin notes, it's exactly the flip of Eastern Standard Time here: noon in Washington DC is midnight here.
Had dinner with Max Maven and Mike Caveney last night in the Italian restaurant at the Intercontinental Hotel where we are staying. Just over $10 each for good pasta and lots of foccacia. There's also a Chinese restaurant in the hotel.
They were setting up a rather substantial food court in the open area of the convention center yesterday. Looks like there'll be plenty to eat. Caveney found a Pizza Hut 45 minutes away.
I'm off to find some silk pjs for my daughter today since there's nothing happening until this afternoon.
Registered: 07/18/01
Posts: 12775
Loc: Washington DC
Tim's blog is being blocked, so ... Tim, I suggest you post your reports here. Incidentally, this is a general note to everyone: please put all your FISM commentary in THIS thread.
Richard, 'russian roulette' = hyperbole ;-) ALthough I did get scolded for dare contempating walking around it ;-)
In terms of threads, I think it will be best to still split the threads up in terms of days FISM Day 1, FISM Day 2 etc. Otherwise commentary and responses between posts / days will get confusing.
Richard, the organisers have asked me not to reveal the content of the next seven days - I'll try my best LOL
Also, at 120 Yuan a day for Internet Access at our hotels (about $AUS25) please be grateful to your reporters who are literally paying for the privelege of telling you about FISM!
Beijing is one enormous hot house - it's a sweltering city and you dare not leave the safety of your air conditioning. A quick trip down to the supermarket this morning and I've returned drenched to the bone. Humidity is ridiculous.
Delegates are greeted in the convention centre with an enormous sign announcing the 24th World Championships of Magic. And right beside it - a security presence ... along with rows of xray machines and police / security personnel on entry to make you feel very special. I had my bag searched twice - every nook and cranny - although no indication of what contraband they may exactly be looking for ( gospel magic perhaps ? ) Everyone nods & smiles with no idea as to what you are possibly saying.
With the first event scheduled for 4:30 pm - it was up to the dealers to keep us entertained. The Dealer's hall is divided up into 4 smaller separate rooms - with each dealer having their own trade show style both. The numbers of dealers are way down ( which is a pity ) although there are some exotic new comers who normally wouldn't be seen at a major convention. The early buzz from the purveyors of prestidigitation ? The appearing canes being sold by a Chinese toy company for under $2 ! Mounds and mounds of boxes. Lots more gems still to be discovered I'm sure.
Unemployment is clearly not an issue here. Everyone has a job including some dear soul whose function is to stand over the mass of cables criss crossing the hallway ( covered with plastic the size of speedbumps ) to warn oncomers of this nasty roadblock in their way. A multi-million dollar venue and no one took this into account! The convention centre also clearly considers us magicians a dirty bunch ... the regular carpets in the dealers rooms are all covered up with make shift lining stuck to the floor with duct tape resulting in somewhat of an obstacle course. Fascinating.
A central canteen station has been setp in the in main hallway with all the usual fare on offer - pizza, hotdogs, sandwiches along with the more adventurous Chinese dishes. Payment is via a 'debit card' which you pre-purchase and then top-up as needed.
The Opening Ceremony and Gala Banquet follow this evening. Stay tuned :-)
Registered: 07/18/01
Posts: 12775
Loc: Washington DC
You should try the Chinese food, Craig, it's delicious. No one is forcing you to eat hot dogs and pizza! I had lunch with Mike Close, Max Maven, Mac King and family, and we all had the freshly made wonton soup, cooked to order while you watch.
Registered: 01/17/08
Posts: 383
Loc: Manchester, England
Richard, Craig and Tim, It's not easy to spend a day at a convention and then sit down, gather your thoughts and notes and type them up, not just for the rest of us, but as part of magical history which will be referred back to when we're all long gone.
I know I speak for us all when I say "THANK YOU VERY MUCH!"
I would have loved to have given you a write up of the opening ceremony, but that would generally entail my being able to see the stage.
This is what registering 3 years ago gives you - the much vaunted "best seating" ...
15 rows back, flat seating with a sea of heads in front of you.
The "theatre" is a cavernous expanse with half the chairs being temporary seating flat on the ground with handwritten numbers - the rest tiered as they should be. IF you were one of the stupid fools to register early - you have amongst the worst views in the venue ... those registering mere months back get premium tiered seating or somehow find themselves many rows in front. Makes perfect sense doesn't it ?
It's not a difficult concept. A magic convention needs to be in a theatre with raked seating and not in an enormous void. Unless you happen to be Chairman Mao or his consul sitting in the VIP spaces - you may as well as be watching via telescope ( giant TV screens you say ? That would be nice - except they are positioned on the ground level, too, ideal for those trying to dodge heads ) Perhaps if we don't promise delegates one theatre and then switch venues we wouldn't have this problem ? But its grossly unfair to those that support events by registering early.
But on to the show. Or that I could see of it.
Delegates received a special gold-embossed program for the official opening on their seats also listing the many people that went to make this opening show a reality - the Supervisor in Chief, the Planner in Chief, the Artistic Director, the Co-ordinator in Chief, the Performance Supervisor, the Administration Supervisor, the Promotion Supervisor, the Stage Setting Supervisor, Stage Setting Designer, External Liason, Stage Management Director, Stage Managers, Front Stage Director, Backstage Director and Stage setting engineer. Makes us feel very secure that there's a commander in chief for everything ( I wonder if they've met the obstacle watcher in chief ? )
After 30 minutes of mandatory speeches telling us that this FISM will "bring harmony to the world" ( and a novel translation method in which a translator just reads a prepared English sheet ) we had the grand opening effect - confetti and the turning on of a scrolling LED light ... total duration 2 minutes. And then onto the FISM traditional Chinese dance championships featuring the Yishan Drum dance, the Huanyao Flower dance, the Clogs dance ( did you know they did Riverdance in China ? ) the Mi Zuo Dance and my personal favourite the Legenary Vine dance. In between there was some magic - fans, cards, silks, flowers, more fans, cards, silks, more flowers - and the thrilling "Traditional magic trick in new form" or roughly translated - "producing bowls of water from your back that are in full view of the entire audience" Interesting approach that. But let's be thankful for Pagoda Bowl Balancing to save the evening - a talented group of acrobatics who balance bowls on their feet ( although the cynic in me says that velcro could make life a lot easier ) earning a standing ovation. I think this could be a running theme - save the show by giving the magicians some acrobatics. To end off - an act featuring "1000's of delightful flowers" ... no prizes as to what happened.
At just over 90 minutes - so ended the Opening Ceremony of the 24th World Championships of Magic. An overload of Chinese culture just in case we could possibly forget we were in Beijing.
The Gala Banquet takes oppulence to a whole new level. The ballroom is decked out to the nines with beautifully printed menus giving a preview of the Chinese feast to follow.
Attempting to feed over 2000 people is no easy feat. But the convention has it waxed with an 18 course meal and drinks on tap. The plates just don't stop coming! As convention banquets go - this surely has to be one of the most impressive in years. The Chinese government spent more on tonight than most conventions spend on their entire events put together.
New friends meet old and the real magic of FISM takes hold. Unfortunately brought to a screeching halt by what can best be described as the shrieks of a tortured cat - or its official title "Flying Up Golden Bird and Silvery Bird Wine Song"
Never in my life I have heard something so awful. With that, it was time to leave having to tear myself away from the Group Dance - "The Closest Place to the Sun" - and "Lift your Veil" by the Beijing Dance Academy. The things I sacrifice to write these reports.
Tomorrow's stage contest begins 8:30 am ... until then, it's time to sign off.
Craig, it is almost unbelievable. I have almost the exact same picture of the FISM stage from my seat in Stockholm three years ago. Amazingly, I had also registered three years before.
I had a long talk with Eswin about this matter a year later at MAGIC Live! and he promised that this would not happen in China as he was trying to convince me to register.
I hope you find a better seat for the rest of the convention shows. At least you had a great dinner!
Registered: 07/18/01
Posts: 12775
Loc: Washington DC
As usual, I must disagree with Craig: I thought the opening show was great. All four magicians were female, and three of them were very good. One was poor (she produced bowls of water and looked like her feet were bolted to the floor and she was hiding the Chinese army under her dress when she started). The magicians were interspersed among non-magic acts which were also excellent (various types of drumming, dancing, and acrobatics). We had to sit through the usual speeches at the start, but that shouldn't surprise anyone.
The banquet was a smashing success--beautiful decor, and spiffy menu/program, and excellent food. The after-dinner show was another story. And here I will agree with Craig: the acts were deafening. I can't tell if it was simply the tone of the music, or the fact that the treble was cranked, but at my table, about halfway back in the room, we had our fingers in our ears because it was painful.
"I have almost the exact same picture of the FISM stage from my seat in Stockholm three years ago."
Happened to me in Stockholm, too. Early registration is for the birds.
Very unfortunate. Sounds like the early registrants need to be supplied with those cardboard periscopes that people use at parades and similar events. A horrible solution, I know. Still.
Some enterprising soul could make a few bucks if they had the foresight to bring some along for sale. (Maybe you can find some for sale in a local shop?)
For those reading this in China, who can't hack their way through The Great Wall to my blog at http://www.MagicUnlimited.Typepad.com here is my report of the Opening Ceremony/Show/Dinner:
4.35pm and the main theatre was still filling as two and a half thousand magicians passed through security and made their way into the main theatre for the FISM 2009 Opening Show.
On every seat was a glossy double sided A4 card in pink (FISM 2009 President Mr Lin Jian’s favourite colour) printed in gold with the program of the opening show on one side and the behind-the-scenes credits on the other.
With the chime of a gong the theatre darkened and FISM 2009 was underway. First were the traditional speeches from various dignitaries welcoming us all to FISM. This was followed by a very unique opening moment where a huge clear Perspex button was pushed and it lit up with welcoming words as air cannons were fired. Then Eric Eswin welcomed the registrants in several different languages and the FISM Presidents from all over the world (including Sue-Anne Webster from Australia!) were introduced.
The whole official portion was over in less than 30 minutes and presented very efficiently and professionally. Now it was time for the show.
Jiang Hua, a famous Chinese television personality, acted as host and explained that the show would highlight the Chinese female magicians who had won national and international awards, as well as showcasing many different Chinese cultural acts.
First up was the Yishan Drum dance, which was a great start to the show and, with extremely good lighting and staging, really set the tone for the whole of FISM. First magic act was Huang Zheng with her beautiful manipulation act ‘Memories’ which was especially well performed and got a great reception.
Another dance followed, and all of the dance numbers were energetic, very different to each other, and just long enough to provide variety between the magic. This was followed by Zhao Yuying with a fan production act. Though extremely well done, the act was possibly a little long as much of the content involved fan production after fan production, but was spiced up a little near the end when she went into changing masks.
Next was a ‘Clogs Dance’ followed by Xu Fengmei who performed the traditional Chinese water bowl production act. As Jiang Hua explained, it was very unusual for a woman to perform this act and she did a good job of it, but no matter how many times I’ve seen this act performed it really isn’t that much of a mystery as to where all the bowls come from. But once again, she did a good job and the production made the act look very good.
A two person dance entitled ‘Legendary Vine’ was next and it was almost something you’d see an experimental dance troupe in the West performing. Very different to all of the other dance numbers, but fascinating to watch.
Next came the act that stole the show. An astonishing acrobatic performance by the China National Circus. Women balanced bowls above their heads on one foot while they stood on the other, as men tossed them through the air onto each others shoulders. The flips and flexibility are impossible to describe and I kept hearing gasps from people all around me and the degree of difficulty kept rising. Finally, they threw a girl (who was balancing a bowl the whole time) onto the shoulders of a man who was standing on the shoulders of another man. As she somersaulted down to the stage the audience leapt to their feet in a standing ovation.
After another dance, this once featuring a lot of black light effects, we had the very unusual act of Shen Juan who the introduction promised would delight us with “thousands of flowers” and she did! She produced a seemingly endless amount of flowers which seemed to literally explode like fireworks from her barehands. At the end of her act the stage was absolutely covered in flowers and I can guarantee there wasn’t a single magician who wasn’t thinking “How long does it take to reset that act?!”
The show finished with the Yunnan Kunming Folk Dancing and Singing Theatre and a curtain call featuring all the artists who got a tremendous response from the crowd.
Almost everyone I spoke to afterwards said it was the best FISM Opening Show they’d ever seen.
We had half an hour before the ‘Welcome Dinner’ and the energy and excitement in the crowd was palpable. They were really charged and ready for a great week of magic.
Entering the ballroom it was really quite amazing to see reserved table seating for 2,500 with a fully professional stage complete with comprehensive video support (there must have been at least eight cameras) and a waiter or two at every single table! No-one’s glass was allowed to be empty, whether soft drink, water or wine, and there was more food than anyone could eat. (And we get a second banquet later in the week!)
Complementing a menu featuring jelly fish in vinegar, Chinese date with honeydew, sautéed celery and gingko with black fungus, and braised sliced weever with cheese and cream, we had an equally eclectic selection of Chinese entertainment. Plus we each got a beautifully designed souvenir menu (which is proving very useful as I type this report!)
Another CCTV star (Wang Xuechun) introduced the acts and we were treated to Li Huaixiu and Li Huaifu who sang a traditional song which demonstrated an astonishing singing range as well as a cheeky sense of fun, a spectacular number from the Beijing Dance Academy, the Acrobatic Troupe of China Railway Art Ensemble with a show-stealing display of rola-rola balancing, Hou Yanqiu who displayed absolute virtuosity on the traditional (and extremely high-pitched) instrument the Suona, a sample of Beijing Opera from the colourful Beijing Opera Troupe, some songs from one of the most popular Chinese singing stars Abao, and a final dance number from the Bejing Dance Academy.
Again, production of the show was extremely professional and video coverage for the massive ballroom was very well done.
Everyone left the ballroom satiated by Chinese food and culture and totally blown away by the presentation.
Yes, there was absolutely no magic in the dinner show, but we were treated to what appeared to be the absolute best in many facets of Chinese entertainment. Most people I spoke to afterwards said they wouldn’t have changed a thing and rated the first day of FISM 2009 a 9 out of 10.
If they can keep up the standard for the next few days, this may well be the best FISM ever.
Well jet lag is a glorious thing and it was up bright & breezy for an 8:30 am start for the stage contest after 4 hours sleep. Travelling across time zones is always fun.
In other news - the dear lady at xray security no longer deems me to be a terrorist threat， so was only subjected to a cursory inspection this morning。
15 competitors made up the first batch of contestants - and overall stage magic is in serious trouble with a very average standard. I cringe to think what a lay person must think of us magicians after watching some of the performances.
A brief overview：
1。 Mayuko - Japan - General Magic School girl outfit （ sorry - but I had images of a Japanese Britney Spears going through my head ） The act featured tea， ball and card manipulation along with a quick change to an ‘Alice in Wonderland’ costume。 Average。
2。 Ernesto - Italy - General Magic Parasols， parasaols and more parasols。 Whoever thought that umbrellas were the domain of the East was very wrong。 Personal highlight - ‘parasol from pants’ - complete with dance moves。 What self-respecting man prances about with jumbo parasols ？
3。 Jae Hoon Lim - Korea - General Magic From the cookie cutter Korean mold， the act got off to a powerful start with thumping soundtrack and some slick dove work。 Energy levels quickly dropped during the ball manipulation sequence ending with a now compulsory dove cage vanish。However good the technical skill is， why must they all be the same ？
4。 Liu Mingya - China - Manipulation A traditional Chinese warrior with doves and cards as well as a bizarre new trend sweeping FISM - egg manipulation and egg juggling。 And let’s not forget the zombie dove。 Doves fly by themselves so why would we need to make them float ？
5。 Artyon Shchukin - Russia - General Magic Russia is 20 years behind the rest of the world with canes， doves and 80’s tuxedo （ or considering some of the other acts， lots of countries share a similar fate ）。 Ball and card manipulation， feather from pants and a vanishing bird cage。 Thrilling。
6。 Cheffmagic - Denmark - General Magic The first act where some may have been tempted to reach for the red light。 As the name suggests - a gimmicky cooking act （ eggs again ！）with cheap sound effects overload。 The performer looked horribly uncomfortable on stage。 It had novelty value - but not much else。
7。 Jorge Luengo - Spain - Mentalism Mentalism is seldom a popular category at FISM。 Jorge was at pains to ask for an English speaking assistant - but alas his non-English speaking volunteer stole the show requiring a replacement mid-way through。 Three random numbers are added up and the volunteer assumes the role of mind-reader guessing the result。 I much prefer the mentalist being the one with the special powers。
8。 Jeff Lee - Chinese Taipei - General Magic CD manipulation combined with TV screen interaction （ think shades of Timo Marc and Marco Tempest ）For what is supposed to be a ’high tech‘ act - CDs are no longer exactly cutting edge。
9。 Martino - Greece - General Magic Back we go on a time warp：tuxedo， cape and Yanni music。 Fire wallet， coin manipulation and a performer who is a picture of discomfort with his stone-cold expression。 Let‘s not forget the giant poker chip from jacket production。
10。 Hugues Protat - France - Manipulation A zany， beggar-style character performing miser’s dream，coin productions ，money spring flowers and gold chain appearances。 Mediocre act - but a beautiful glitter snowstorm explosion at the end which the magicians loved。
11 - Sami Matoshi CANCELLED
12。 Zhang Caho - China - Manipulation A traditional Chinese grandfather character with money manipulation， silks， balls， bills and fans。 A very strong costume change but weak ending。
13。 Hyun-Joon Kim - Korea - Manipulation Cookie cutter excellence from Korea。 High powered card manipulation， colour changes et al。 Lots of confetti， billiard balls and more。 As expected， smooth and polished。
14。 Latko - Argentina - General magic The act opens with the sound of a bike crashing with Latko on stage in biker leathers。 He proceeds to assemble the bike on stage - appearing handle bars， lamps， wheels etc。 He ends with a bike helmet production and much expectation that the newly assembled bike will drive off。 It’s not to be though - instead， we turn off the stage lights， and the bike moves forward by a metre with its headlamp on in the dark。 Not exactly magical。 Anti-climatic at best。
15。 Serge Fergini - Russia - Manipulation Serge was plagued by a false start amidst a technical hitch that saw the act delayed。 However， the wait wasn‘t worth it as the act was below standard。 Boring ball and card manipulation。
16。 Bo Wen - China Stage Illusions The final stage act for the day。 Bo Wen presented a large stage set complete with backdrop and a cast of 10+。 Dressed in traditional garb （ yes， there’s that word again ） he produced fish， vanished fish， made a girl appear in a fish tank and ended with an escape from a water tank complete with fake crocodiles （ if only they were real ！） and obligatory re-appearnce from the back of the hall。
And so ends the stage acts for day two。 Off next to the Close-up auditorium where I hope to still get a seat（ the venue seats 300 and there are 2500+ delegates 。。。 mmmmmmmm ）
You'll have to excuse the strange punctuation for the above post, the PC I was using was set to Mandarin and was determined to alternate characters which makes typing fun.
A quick intermission before we continue - for those who haven't taken the trouble to actually read my posts, I'm the first one to give credit where credit is due. But I am also very quick to point out simple failings that shouldn't occur. Where delegates are paying top dollar - they deserve the best ... and I call it as I see it.
To recap for my growing fan base, registration and banquet has been superb ( and that's high praise coming from me ). The hotels are top class, the food court works well, staff & locals are only too eager to please - and the actual convention centre is glistening. Money is dripping from the convention - from the quality of print to the video segments playing throughout the day - there is an air of professionalism. But at the same time, they miss the mark on the little things and sometimes the most important ones too ( the flat seating for ticketed events for example ) The acrobatics are great - but why kill us with the cultural overload on day one ? But that's just a personal view. Tim loved the screeching cat, most of us didn't - if we all had the same sugarcoated approach, this would be boring.
The contests have run like clockwork thus far ( big kudos to Gay Ljungberg and his team ) and it's been fantastic to see so many great friends. Everyone is having a really enjoyable time thus far - trust me, you'd hear if we weren't.
Hope that helps those who may not appreciate my special refreshing way :-)
And to keep you hooked, breaking news of political protest at FISM to follow.
When FISM went to China - we were told that politics plays no role in magic ( really ? ) ... although when the Communist government is part-sponsor it's only a matter of time until we have a bit of political excitement. Despite all the promises of world harmony and global understanding - one Chinese delegate thought otherwise and decided to storm the stage at the end of Mago Larry's ( Argentina ) close-up act.
Mago made the cardinal error of using Taiwan as an independent country as a selection during his mentalism routine. The name Taiwan is also interestingly erased from the program - replaced with Chinese Taipei instead. Dear Mago naturally isn't an expert on Chinese-Taiwan relations ( and neither should he be ) Finishing his performance, one politically aspirant delegate drags Mago back on stage and promptly lambastes him in front of the audience for having the audacity to dare contemplate Taiwan as being an independent state. Mago is clearly stunned, apologisingly profusely and bewildered at this bizarre turn of events. This little protest action was met with loud approval ( I assume from the Chinese delegation ) in the room. What these misguided souls don't realise is that their one single action did more to erase the goodwill that had been so carefully crafted by the organisers than anything else. It was a horrible moment and highly embarassing. The delegate who stormed the stage should have been instantly removed not on the basis of his political statements but quite simply on the grounds that interfering with a performance is not permissible by FISM. It was painfully obvious that no offence was at all intended by Mago and I cringe to think how our Taiwanese delegates ( or should we refer to them as Chinese Taipei ) must have felt.
Personally, I'm not surprised. In attempting to obtain some official media pictures to supplement my report on yesterday's proceedings I was nearly detained for questioning by a stern finger-wagging offical for being a journalist without licence. Competitors better be careful - hopefully there are no Tibetan change bags lurking in someone's act !
Registered: 07/18/01
Posts: 12775
Loc: Washington DC
You really have to have been living in a cave for the last decade not to know of the tensions between the mainland and Taiwan. What the magician did was something that most people would have corrected themselves had they given ANY consideration to the political situation. And it's foolish not to even consider that.
By the way, only 30% of the people at FISM are from Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macao--all places that China considers part of their country.
Of the 2400 people here, over 1600 are from outside those four areas of China. Most are from Europe, Japan, Australia, 100 folks from the US, and so on.
"You really have to have been living in a cave for the last decade not to know of the tensions between the mainland and Taiwan. What the magician did was something that most people would have corrected themselves had they given ANY consideration to the political situation. And it's foolish not to even consider that."
CLOSE-UP CONTEST - DAY TWO ------------------------
The Close-up Contest is held in a superb auditorium seating about 300. Lush seating and great sight lines ( for those fortunate enough to get a seat ) If no seat - no problem. Fire safety isn't an issue in China - the venue and emergency exits were filled to capacity with people some literally sitting on the bannisters.
The below pic is about 60 minutes before show time - people already reserving their seats.
So far - the standard of close-up seems better than stage. Will be interesting to see how the trend develops.
Highlights & lowlights ...
1 - Simon Coronel - Micro - Australia Well delivered, well executed act featuring coins, bills, torn & restored card as well as the dramatic production of a lady from atop the close-up table. A great way to get the contest rolling.
2 - Mago Larry - Parlour - Argentina Audience handling clearly isn't practiced in Argentina nor is common courtesy amongst this magician. How about we find out our 2 spectators names before we go ahead and deliver electric shock therapy to them. Yes - cards across featuring electric stun chairs ( with poor Sue-Anne Webster being one of the unlucky victims ) Degrading to say the least. A convoluted 'mentalism' routine with countries which formed the background of a Taiwenese political protest mentioned earlier ;-)
3 - Christian Bierbrauer - Cards - Germany A slick act featuring deck of cards from inside a balloon, named card discovered inside card box, fused card and magician killer -signed card discovered in envelope attached to the performer's back. Good response.
4 - Shunya Okuno - Micro - Japan Unintended comedy is often the result of a non-English speaker performing in English. Coins from lighter, vanishing lighter, jumbo lighter, jumbo coins and appearing lighter fluid. Funny for sometimes the very wrong reasons.
5 - Mago Ernesto - Cards - Venezuela An enthusiastic performer with color changing deck, card transpositions, torn & restored card and thought of card in glass. Some strong magic that kept the audience happy.
6 - Shohei Komoriya - Parlour - Japan A baseball themed act with cups & baseballs, appearing bat, production of mini-baseballs, mitts & glove. Novelty value with potential although the baseball only cames to the fore midway through the act.
7 - Rune - Micro - Norway Rune has the possessed look of a psycopath as he performed a silent act with background music. Creepy & confusing.
8 - Sito Qirong - Cards - China Cups & balls - producing cups from cups from cups ending with a bizarre production of a mini-Mona Lisa and what looked to be a wedding proposal.
9 - Jeremy Pei - Parlour - Singapore Energetic thumping music kicks off the start of a rope routine along with a combo cups & balls routine done with mini-linking rings ending with production of liquid inside the cup.
10 - Olmac - Cards - France An audience favourite with highly visual card magic - 4 aces appear, disappear, pockets vanish, aces re-appear along with some stunning colour changes that look like pure magic.
11 - Satoru - Micro - Japan The Energizer bunny on crack. Hyperactive - super enthusiastic and oddly endearing to the audience. A selected and discovered toothpick along with a 3 volunteer card revelation with the card names ending up on the souls of shoes, socks and feet.
12 - Jaque - Micro - Spain A down & out gambler theme with coin productions, jury favourite (!) matrix routine, coins to poker chips, chips to dice, dice to ice and production of drink at the end.
12 competitors in total on day two for close-up. Some interesting acts and a lot more promise than stage.
As I spent the day watching contest acts, I didn't get a chance to see the other events - lectures by Jeff McBride, Henry Evans & Shoot Ogawa. Hopefully others can fill us in.
Despite the action-packed day, I still couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing. And then finally it hit me. Normally by this stage, the potential host cities for the next FISM are busy plying their trade, soliciting support and trying to win you over with their vision for a bigger, better, even more exciting FISM. With only one bid city for 2012 - competition is not exactly rife.
A wonder if this is a sign of things to come?
The stage show is the final event for the day scheduled for 7:30 pm ...
STAGE GALA SHOW - DAY TWO ------------------------
While waiting to go inside the theatre for the Monday evening stage show - I thought I'd take a browse through Zakary Belamy's exhibition of photos of famous magicians.
This is one they may wish to remove. Now somewhat disconcerting. Entitled "Violent - Jonathan Pendragon"
Video cameras are absolutely everywhere inside the theatre - both official and unofficial ( this FISM is going to the most recorded, photographed and probably pirated in history ... everyone is recording everything no matter what announcement you make or how many times you ask )
After finally getting everyone seated - Mac King's booming voice announces the first act - from Japan, Fujiyama Shintaro ...the live recreation of the Bellagio fountains on stage. Water sprouts from anywhere and everywhere - fans, flowers, heads, buckets, vases - you name it - water flows. It's an irrigation extravaganza. It's one of those acts seldom seen live - one cringes to think of the enormous setup ( and plumbing ! )
Mac King as MC was an inspired choice. He is a likeable, loveable character whose endearing personality fills the cavernous theatre. With hilarious antics, language barriers and highlights from his Las Vegas show, Mac held everything together beautifully.
Double Fantasy from Ukraine was a new act for most I'm sure. Starting with an Artist's Dream illusion, the beguiling temptress is produced from within the easel with lighning speed. A combination De Kolta style chair / Metamorphosis illusion takes place with the magician vanishing from the chair and re-appearing in the place of the lady a few metres away. Or so in theory. Having the magician wear a blonde wig pretending to be the temptress before the reveal is certainly an interesting choice of execution. The duo ended with a traditional Asrah which was well done and much liked by the audience.
Some earthworms, appearing bear and infamous cloak of invisibility preceded the gravity defying Yang Gang - a Chinese acrobat who balanced single-handedly atop 8+ chairs more than 12 metres in the air *literally* touching the rooftop of the venue. Simply incredible the likes of which I have never seen ( remember, just give the magicians acrobats :-) We also love jugglers, too )
Jorgos from Greece combines a large projection screen and live interaction with a 'genii in the bottle' character of himself. I am not a fan I am afraid.
Faith is restored though as past FISM winner - Lee Eun Gyeol - bursts back onto stage with his trademark spikes and mindblowing manipulation. I first saw this act some 7 years ago and it still is incredible. Unfortunately though, Korea now sports a bevy of Lee clones - all technically competent but oh so lacking in originality or style.
Continuing with past FISM winners, Pilou from France followed with his special brand of je ne sais quoi.
Closing the show - and probably one of the most anticipated acts on the bill - was Peter Marvey from Switzerland with his version of Flying. I'm sure others may rave about this ( and make no mistake - I am sure it is incredibly challenging to stage and good on FISM for presenting something such as this with all the illusion bells & whistles ) but as a performance piece goes, it pales in comparison to David Copperfield's. Peter Marvey looks like a theatre version of Peter Pan - the motion of flying is strained and restricted - and completely overdone. As a reference point, Copperfield's is a picture of grace and beauty. Nevertheless, an impactful way to end the first official stage gala show.
All in all - a strong array of talent in a show at just under 2 hours that likely catered to all tastes ( an epic feat considering the number of people and countries in the audience ) If we can keep this up - we could on the winning streak.
FISM is definitely in full throttle in Beijing. Stage contests again tomorrow at 8:30 am ... until then ...
Edited by Jim Maloney (07/27/0907:59 PM) Edit Reason: Spelling correction as requested by Craig
Thanks Jacky - unfortunately after a long day one doesn't have the chance to edit as much as one would like ... otherwise these missives would never come out. Hopefully Richard can make the correction as the 'edit post' button gets disabled on the forum after a while ( something which I would love to see changed on the site )
Registered: 07/18/01
Posts: 12775
Loc: Washington DC
I like the edit time the way it is. Type your post, check it before hitting "Submit" and then check it again after you post it while you still have time to edit it. That's enough.
I thought last night's show was very good to excellent. Mac King did a great job as emcee. I wasn't excited to see Peter Marvey's version of Flying and wasn't surprised that it was ho-hum. I can't imagine anyone rivaling Copperfield's innovations and presentation of it--and that was, what ... 20 years ago? Flying is old news now. There are flying rigs in common use in stage shows all over the world. If you go to Tokyo DisneySea and watch the Little Mermaid theater show, you can see half a dozen flying rigs attached to an enormous lazy susan on the ceiling--all in clear view, as are the wires that descend from them to the performers.
I enjoyed everything else that I can recall--and it was a real treat to see Shintaro Fujiyama perform the ancient Japanese water spout act. That's a genuine piece of Japanese magic history that you only have the chance to see a few times.
Wow, this thread is going to be huge, by the time this event is over!
I really loved Mac as the MC last night. The show ran smoothly and the folks behind the curtain should be congratulated for their efforts. I can't imagine the tech time required to set up Shintaro Fujiyama's act or Peter Marvey's flying. The time Mac had to cover in front of the curtain was brief and super entertaining.
I thought I would include a photo of the view from my room which shows a great shot of the convention center. Which incidental is not finished construction. Work starts promptly at 6 am each day ... nice.
I should also mention I was freaked that a participant was allowed onto the stage at the close up to approach a contestant and drag him back to be reprimanded in front of his peers. I, for one, know little of the topic in dispute. It easy not to know ... just ask the folks at IBM who decided to host their only convention outside the US in Quebec City in 1993. Which was the heart of the power of the Parti Québécois and Bloc Quecbois, during the heat of the Separatist movement following the failure of the Meech Lake Accord discussions ... oh and they picked Canada Day weekend! I assume you know about the Bloc Quebecbois, Parti Québécois and the Meech Lake accord ... no? Then you must live in a cave? I come to magic conventions for ... magic...
Having an absolute blast here at FISM and seeing old friends and making new ones is the BEST!
Thanks to Craig, Tim and Richard for taking the time to post daily. I normally do a daily Vlog of my travels ... but my Blog, Face Book and Youtube are all non accessible to a luddite like me.
_________________________
Shawn Farquhar
"if you can't laugh at yourself, you're just not getting the joke."
Shawn, was it really that hazy outside your window? In the business news here today was a report that overall air quality in Beijing is at something like a 10 year high (due in part to factory closings), with a near record number of 'blue sky days'.
Registered: 07/18/01
Posts: 12775
Loc: Washington DC
The sky was blue, and partly cloudy, on Saturday when we arrived. On Sunday it was very gray and hazy, like Shawn's photo, but seemed to get a little clearer late in the day. Today it's completely gray and hazy, and also raining. However, unlike my previous trip, which took place in May a year ago, the particulate matter in the air is not burning my throat or eyes.
STAGE CONTEST PICS FROM DAY 2 ---------------------------
Today's newsletter triumphantly announces "In order to strengthen the press publicity in FISM Beijing 2009, the Organization Committee setup a News Center, including a Media Office, an Interview Office, and a Press Conference Hall. During the session, the News Center releases a press conference every day, providing the latest information to media"
Wow - you could have fooled me. No press releases available in English and do you think with all the multitude of press offices that someone would provide official pics to share with you readers - wishful thinking. The Internet seems to be an imaginariy void for the powers that be. Maybe one day they'll learn.
But thanks to delegate Peter Din we have some extra pics from the past 2 days to share ( also check out Jeff McBride's video updates featuring some 'illicit' video footage from inside some of the shows ... gives a great feel for things ;-)
Thought I'd share this little snippet - FISM President, Mr Lin - just tells the assembled media at the press conference that Peter Marvey is far better than David Copperfield who could never possibly do a costume change in mid-air and Peter Marvey has the most original illusion - Flying. Aaahhh ... such fun.
I followed a Water Act in 1980 in Tokyo. It was fabulous. My opening bit (I happened to, for a reason I can't recall, have one of those joke store diamond rings with the little rubber bulb) was to show my ring, make a magic pass over it and the water squirted me in the face.
Needless to say, the audienc roared, and I could do no wrong.
Hot topic at the moment here at FISM: Sue-Anne's butt.
Twice she was chosen to assist acts, twice she was treated to the full power of the electric chair.
Way to go contestants - not only are you abusing your guests on stage, you're also abusing the person who's writing reports on your acts and the wife of someone who's judging you.
Got to go, time to judge another batch of close up acts - I've just updated my blog again, feel free to check it out at http://www.MagicUnlimited.Typepad.com
great thread.. We're also reporting FISM over at http://www.magicconventionguide.com Andy Stone is reporting as he can and sending through photos which we're dropping into our pool at the top of the site, and Craig Mitchell and Tim Ellis have kindly given us permission to include their posts as well.. (with links back to genii and to tims blog)
Friday will be interesting when 2012 is announced.. given that its pretty obvious from the posts that blackpool is the only bid..
Registered: 07/18/01
Posts: 12775
Loc: Washington DC
The fake crocs were a scream.
And that Russian guy doing card manipulations was awful--what the hell is it with everybody deciding they can turn their backs to the audience every time they want to do a steal?
As for Mr. Lin's comments re Peter Marvey's Dream Flying--it's China, get real. What do you expect?
As for Blackpool, I haven't spoken to a single person who is looking forward to a FISM in Blackpool. Not one, including the Brits.
Good news--they lowered the prices of all the food and drinks in the food court, cutting the drink prices by 50%! Gotta love that.
Registered: 07/18/01
Posts: 12775
Loc: Washington DC
I'm going to lock this thread because all the photos are causing it to behave oddly. I will start a new thread (FISM THREAD 2) and we can continue there.
