Bizarre magic

Bizarre magic is a branch of stage magic that creates eerie effects through its use of narratives and esoteric imagery. The major difference to other forms of stage magic is that bizarre magic uses storytelling and word play to a much greater degree, and less emphasis is placed on the manual dexterity of the performer or the complexity of his equipment. The experience is intended to be more akin to small, intimate theater than a conventional magic show.
Presentational style
Bizarre magicians often use authentic antique or simulated artifacts to enhance their presentations. Storytelling is also employed for a greater sense of theatrical authenticity. Techniques such as these distinguish Bizarre from other types of magic performance. Max Maven has said of bizarre magic that it "references a larger magical world beyond the boundaries of the performance."
Bizarre magic often uses horror and supernatural imagery in addition to the standard commercial magic approaches of comedy and wonder. Bizarre magic deliberately utilizes discomfort for theatrical effect. Another methodology employed in performance is the integration of storytelling enhanced by magic.
Practitioners
Some of the significant artists in bizarre magic have been Tony Andruzzi (aka Maskelyn ye Mage), Eugene Burger, Christian Chelman, Robert Neale, Tony Raven , Vince Wilson , David Parr , Paul Voodini , Rob Zabrecky, Paul Noffsinger, Vlad - The Gothic Magician, Aiden Sinclair , Paul Prater , Zeke Powerz , and Jeff McBride. The Sacred Riana is an Indonesian bizarre illusionist who won the of Asia's Got Talent in 2017 and reached the quarterfinals of of America's Got Talent in 2018.
Annual events
England's convention for bizarre magicians is "Doomsday" - originally held in Whitby, it moved to Derby in 2019. Started in 2015, the East Coast Spirit Sessions was held in January in Myrtle Beach, SC. In 2021, East Coast Spirit Sessions combined forces with Bizarre Hauntings, a conference started in 2018 and resides in Baltimore at The Lord Baltimore Hotel

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