Published
Times have changed in the magic industry. Tricks aren't just about sawing people in half these days - they also teach people about climate change.
It's different at the top too - a 28-year-old woman has been elected president of The Magic Circle.
It's the first time a woman has held the title in its 116 year history.
Megan Swann is now the president of the organisation, founded in 1905, for British magicians.
She's also its youngest.
'Magic has definitely changed'
The Magician's Circle is built on one main rule that its members can never reveal the secrets of their tricks - and until 1991, one of its other rules was that women couldn't even join, let alone be president.
But Megan believes its sexist reputation is starting to change.
"I think many people do still have this slightly outdated image of the male magician in top hat and tails and pulling rabbits out of the hat," she tells Radio 1 Newsbeat.
"Magic has definitely changed. There are some amazing magicians out there of all different ages, and races and genders.
"Over the last few years, especially I've noticed a real growth in the younger members."
Magic tricks and climate change
She says that celebrity tricksters such as David Blaine and Dynamo have made magic cool again.
But Megan doesn't perform like these A-listers, she uses her skills to share a message about climate change, in what she describes as "environmental magic."
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"I generally teach people about environmental issues and how we can help through magic tricks," she says.
"So I do things on climate change, waste, ocean pollution and deforestation, all through magic."
"It's a really good communication tool and a really good way of engaging people. It can be quite a depressing topic otherwise."
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Like every industry - especially the performing arts - the past 18 months have been a struggle for magicians, who've been unable to work because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Megan says it's a "major challenge" to get back to "some kind of normality" and for her, she's getting back to it with a new title of - what is essentially - the Dumbledore of British magicians.
"It's such an amazing honour, I can't quite believe that I'm the person that has a magic circle," Megan adds.
"And to have made history in the process as well. It's just it's even better. It's the icing on the cake."
Published
3 September 2020
Published
9 April 2020
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Concepts in the Article
The article discusses several key concepts related to the magic industry, the changing landscape of magic, and the impact of a 28-year-old woman being elected as the president of The Magic Circle. Additionally, it highlights the evolving nature of magic, the use of magic to communicate messages about climate change, and the challenges faced by magicians during the coronavirus pandemic. Let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article and provide relevant information.
Magic Industry and Changing Landscape: The magic industry has evolved significantly, moving beyond traditional tricks to incorporate educational and socially relevant themes. The election of a 28-year-old woman, Megan Swann, as the president of The Magic Circle marks a significant shift in the organization's history, breaking gender barriers and reshaping the perception of magicians. Megan Swann's approach to magic emphasizes the changing nature of the industry, with a focus on environmental issues and education.
Megan Swann and Environmental Magic: Megan Swann utilizes her magic skills to communicate important messages about climate change, waste management, ocean pollution, and deforestation. She refers to this approach as "environmental magic," using magic tricks as a powerful communication tool to engage and educate people on pressing environmental issues. This innovative use of magic demonstrates its potential as a medium for raising awareness and fostering engagement on critical topics.
Challenges Faced by Magicians During the Pandemic: The coronavirus pandemic has posed significant challenges for magicians and the performing arts industry as a whole. The inability to perform live due to restrictions and safety concerns has impacted magicians' livelihoods and their ability to connect with audiences. The article highlights the struggles faced by magicians during the past 18 months and the efforts to navigate the path back to normalcy in the post-pandemic era.
In summary, the article provides insights into the evolving nature of the magic industry, the pioneering role of Megan Swann in using magic for environmental education, and the resilience of magicians amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic.
I hope this information provides a comprehensive understanding of the concepts discussed in the article. If you have any further questions or need additional details on specific aspects, feel free to ask!
