Jing wrote:Disagree with Acolophon. Firstly, you've only part quoted Houdin and taken it completely out of context.
Secondly, we are magicians, but also producers, directors, script writers, and some of us are lighting and sound engineers too. When you're building a one person show, even close up you have to think about everything.
I would rather write my own material than just steal a hack line. It doesn't fit with your persona, and therefore it seems odd to the audience.
By the way, magicians like David Copperfield hire professional script writers, and I don't argue with success like that.
Lastly, Stacy you're right to write your own material and to be creative. The world needs more creators and less consumers.
I've seen that video and my favourite bit is when he does the fire wallet!
Interesting topic.
It is difference of opinion that makes horse racing possible. However I disagree with almost everything you have written here.
A quote, by definition, is only 'out of context' only if it is misleading. I am aware that Houdin was saying that we are not jugglers and I am certain that most of our readers are aware of that too. Therefor the first part of the statement
is irrelevant. We are interested here in what we are rather than what we are not. Robert-Houdin went on to say that a conjurer (dictionary definition:- one who practises sleight of hand) "is an actor playing the part of a magician".
This is true and a truism is never, in my opinion, misleading.
