Ardan James Lecture
Friday, July 4,
Ardan James lectured on Friday afternoon to a full room of magicians, many of whom had little idea of what to expect from him. Mr. James is an unassuming man, relatively quiet, and not at all an imposing sort of character. However, what his lecture revealed was a thoughtful performance artist who has created something unique by combining his interests in an exciting way. His lecture topic, “Magic in Motion,” was a discussion for how to apply basic pantomime technique to the performance of magical illusions.
Mr. James both overcame and dispelled some of the negative stereotypes about the art of mime, going into detail on how to isolate body movements and create convincing illusions with mimed actions. He went on to illustrate the application of the techniques, performing a silent routine in which an enchanted handkerchief seemed strong enough to pull him across the stage, as well as in a performance of the venerable “Invisible Deck.”
His lecture notes are actually extended and compiled into a limited edition only book on the subject in the magical literature.
He left an audience of magicians bewildered at the amazing and entertaining results that can be achieved when an innovative mind is willing to cross-pollinate ideas from two or more arts, and his act was deserving of the standing ovation it received.