Post by historicalconjurer on Nov 3, 2010 16:24:57 GMT -5
I am a Portland Oregon based lover of history and specifically magical history, in addition I do an historical magic performance based on a Regency era character, Professor DR Schreiber.
I recently presented this lecture/performance for the Oregon Regency Society in the Portland area on the subject of Regency Era Conjuring. My current act is presented entirely in the “Old English” style, in period costumes and includes the demonstrations of many Regency period conjuring “magic” effects and themes.
I would like to offer my performance to other “fans” or groups who would appreciate the Regency era.
I have been interested and involved in magic as a performer, and instructor for years. My wife’s interest in the Regency era encouraged me to explore the details of the era and I happened to stumble upon the connection between magic history (conjuring, as it was called then) and the Regency period, which was the catalyst for my creation of this performance.
There is a close relationship between “modern magic” and Regency society. It was the dramatic changes during the Regency period that really created magic or illusion performances as we know them today. Prior to the Regency era, all magicians (conjurors) performed on the streets or at fairs. It was not until late in the 18th century that magicians were bold enough to hire legitimate theaters or lecture halls. This is when conjurors began to separate from the charlatans or thieves that were best known for the use of magic to steal the money of unsuspecting victims. Many of the Regency conjuring performances were high priced ticketed, elite events, being held in the major cities of Europe, in addition to the command performances of the royalty and nobility. Most modern magicians or historians are unaware of the close connection with magic and the Regency period because, mistakenly, most magicians believe that the first theatrical magicians did not appear until the Victorian era, often stated around 1850’s. But my research has proven different and my presentation clearly explains the history and significance of this connection.
These conjuring performances were a growing influence on society in the Regency period and could have played a role in the increasing interest in science, the macabre, and the gothic, for all of these were undertones of the magic exhibitions at this time.
I appreciate any direction any of you might have in locations, events or groups for which I might present my performance.
Thanks,
Danny
Professor DR Schreiber
Historical Conjurer
I recently presented this lecture/performance for the Oregon Regency Society in the Portland area on the subject of Regency Era Conjuring. My current act is presented entirely in the “Old English” style, in period costumes and includes the demonstrations of many Regency period conjuring “magic” effects and themes.
I would like to offer my performance to other “fans” or groups who would appreciate the Regency era.
I have been interested and involved in magic as a performer, and instructor for years. My wife’s interest in the Regency era encouraged me to explore the details of the era and I happened to stumble upon the connection between magic history (conjuring, as it was called then) and the Regency period, which was the catalyst for my creation of this performance.
There is a close relationship between “modern magic” and Regency society. It was the dramatic changes during the Regency period that really created magic or illusion performances as we know them today. Prior to the Regency era, all magicians (conjurors) performed on the streets or at fairs. It was not until late in the 18th century that magicians were bold enough to hire legitimate theaters or lecture halls. This is when conjurors began to separate from the charlatans or thieves that were best known for the use of magic to steal the money of unsuspecting victims. Many of the Regency conjuring performances were high priced ticketed, elite events, being held in the major cities of Europe, in addition to the command performances of the royalty and nobility. Most modern magicians or historians are unaware of the close connection with magic and the Regency period because, mistakenly, most magicians believe that the first theatrical magicians did not appear until the Victorian era, often stated around 1850’s. But my research has proven different and my presentation clearly explains the history and significance of this connection.
These conjuring performances were a growing influence on society in the Regency period and could have played a role in the increasing interest in science, the macabre, and the gothic, for all of these were undertones of the magic exhibitions at this time.
I appreciate any direction any of you might have in locations, events or groups for which I might present my performance.
Thanks,
Danny
Professor DR Schreiber
Historical Conjurer
