HOW Do You Do That?


I had planned to begin a series of blogs this week, then Death decided to work overtime on people I admire, and I find that I'm stumbling a bit.  First there was Glen Campbell, the "Country Act" who was so much more.  Then there was Broadway Star Barbara Cook, a gifted actress who was the original "Marian the Librarian" in the Music Man, among hundreds of other memorable roles. One loss, however, hit me in the heart of everything I am attempting to do today.  His name was Eugene Burger.

If you're not a magician, I won't be appalled if you don't know his name.  If you are a magician, you know that to our world, Mr. Burger's passing is devastating.  There are some Stars who quietly shine outside of the spotlight, and while he had a very successful career as a magician, he wasn't a household name... unless you have a magician in your household.

There have been endless wonderful words written about the man the past few days.  As a performer and teacher, he personally touched nearly everyone in the magic world and made a positive impact on each and every one.  I wish I had a personal story to share, but the truth is, I was never lucky enough to meet him.  As he was the Dean of The Magic & Mystery School, I was looking forward to finally making that happen at Magic and Meaning in October... now that is not to be.  His writings and performances were very personal, what I know of him came through them.  If it's possible to have one take away from his work and teachings (there were many), it was that he was passionate about the ART of Magic - a serious craft, that deserves serious consideration.

Magicians are often asked, "How did you do that?"  The question has been weighing on my mind lately.  It's not so much how I might answer it (believe, there are a million silly pat answers to choose from), but more if it's the right question.    If magic is a serious craft, isn't it more than the bits of "secret flips & shit" that make it work?

I asked the question I had in mind to several magicians, some I know personally, some I admire from afar via social media.  All of them have responded, but one wanted to answer the original question, "How did you do that?"  Considering his answer, I could not refuse.

Brian Watson is gifted magician from "across the pond," who also invents and teaches various magic routines.  He's a  "Cups & Balls Guy,"  but that is just a small part of his story... Google him, he's an amazing artist, both in magic and metal!  His answer reminded me of the global impact of Eugene Burger:

  "How did you do that?"

My formative years in magic saw me visiting the public library every week and borrowing books on magic to try and learn my craft. I loved reading about magicians of the past, their shows and escapades and I dreamt of one day being able to call myself a magician.

My favourite magician to read about was David Devant, and my favourite illusion I read about (and one I longed to see recreated live) was The Mascot Moth.

Skip forward a few years and I started to read books by Eugene Burger, eventually seeing him on TV and being struck by the whole experience. The voice, the pauses, the fact that no movement, look or gesture was not carefully crafted. This was not a simple magic performance, this was an experience.

Many years later I met Eugene through Jeff McBride and was lucky enough to spend a few days with them both in Glastonbury together with Larry Hass and Mario and Veronica Morris.

They do say that you should never meet your heroes as you'll always be disappointed, however I can tell you that's a fantasy. Eugene had a way of making everyone feel special, at ease and comfortable, if anything he exceeded my expectations. Anyone who ever met him will tell you that they felt like they had known him years.

Like Jeff; Eugene was so generous with his time and so patient and giving. Later I saw Eugene (together with Jeff and Larry) lecture at the Blackpool magic club after the convention. At the end while Eugene was summing up he spoke about David Devant and I suddenly realised what he (and the rest of the Mystery School faculty and staff) have in common with David Devant, and why they are so highly thought of around the globe.

To answer the question "How did you do that?", think about why you are performing, who you are performing for and how you want to leave people feeling and answer as Eugene and Devant did and say "With kindness."

I thank Brian for his touching, thoughtful response.  The magic world is both large and small - the art is practiced around the world, yet the community is small and close-knit.  This week, magicians have huddled together, remembering, praising, mourning.  I'd like to believe it's the banding together, the sharing, that Mr. Burger would've appreciated the most.  That's how he did it.

 Next time, I'll get to my question, as several talented magicians answer, "WHY do you do that?"

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