SPECIAL EDITION July 2016
VANISH
Internatonal Magic Magazine
ED ’ S
NOTE
PUBLISHER Paul Romhany & Joomag
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Paul Romhany : editor @ vanishmagazine . com
ASSOCIATE EDITOR Ben Robinson
ASSOCIATE EDITOR Nick Lewin
STAFF WRITERS FOR SPECIAL EDITION BEN ROBINSON
COVER ARTWORK HAIM GOLDENBERG EDITORIAL SUPPORT EXECUTIVE Richard Webster and Mick Peck
ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Paul Romhany & Sydnie Anderson
CREATIVE DESIGNER & LAYOUT Paul Romhany
MARKETING EXECUTIVES Steve Hocevar
CIRCULATION & SUBSCRIPTION Harry Morgan
ADDRESS 1183 Blind Bogey Drive Qualicum Beach , BC . V9K1E6 CANADA
LEARN FROM THE MASTERS
It is no secret that I am a huge fan of Charlie Chaplin . I ’ ve been a Chaplin fan since I saw his masterpiece “ The Circus ” ( Academy Award , 1928 ) as an eightyear-old boy in New Zealand . That film inspired a lifetime love for Chaplin movies and for my passion about magic . Today I can sit down with my fouryear old son and watch a Chaplin movie and see his eyes light up whenever Chaplin walks on screen . The power of a Chaplin movie is that it can reach any age ; and break down all cultural barriers . His work is still as relevant today as it was when these films were first shown over 90-years ago . There are very few movies today that have , or will have , the same impact when they are shown 90 years from now .
When lecturing to magicians live around the world I always give this piece of advice : “ Sit down and watch a full-length silent comedy movie by Charlie Chaplin , Harold Lloyd or Buster Keaton .”
You will learn so much about how to craft your own show from these artists . If you watch closely , you ’ ll see these movies have a structure that draws you in and takes you on a journey filled with humor and pathos . These great filmmakers knew how to tell a story and connect with the viewers that give them meaning and a power that makes them last for eternity .
Imagine , as a magician , if you could take these powerful elements and bring them to your show . It doesn ’ t matter if you are a close-up magician , a kid ’ s performer , a comedy magician or illusionist . By studying Chaplin and watching his story telling technique you will find yourself connecting with your audience in a way that will make a huge difference to your show and leave a lasting impression on their minds . My personal suggestions for Chaplin would be The Kid , The Circus and The Gold Rush . Watch as he takes you on this incredible ride and study how Chaplin really uses the characters to bring out the story . Chaplin makes you feel on a gut level and not only is this terribly difficult to do , but he does this primarily without words . All performers need to think about that . It is not pantomime in the current definition . It is silent storytelling . There is a great gulf of a difference .
COPYRIGHT All rights reserved . None of this magazine can be reprinted electronically OR in hard form without the permission of the editor .
When Ben Robinson told me he and his wife An were going to the opening of Chaplin ’ s World in Switzerland I knew it would make a perfect Special Edition for VANISH . This is a place everybody must visit , not just Chaplin fans but anybody who loves movies , magic and the arts . Ben has given VANISH a worldexclusive and insight in to a truly magical place and an insight in to a man who made the world a much happier place to live .
We need Chaplin today just as much as the world needed him back during the World Wars and the Great Depression . The world needs to learn how to smile and laugh and love again . Enjoy this very special edition of VANISH .
Paul Romhany