THE GREAT LEVANTE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24606, 14 May 1941, Page 12

THE GREAT LEVANTE

SIDELIGHTS ON MAGIC ART The Great Levante, world-famous magician and illusionist, who is opening with his spectacular mystical revue, " How's Tricks? " reveals some secrets. Lying and conjuring (he says) are two arts that must be carried out successfully to be of any Use. The former, if not convincing, is likely to bring ridicule upon the prevaricator, while the latter becomes boring unless presented in a manner that will entertain. Having seen most of the magic of the East, he is convinced that the European magician can take the tricks of the Oriental and fool him with them. . " There has recently been a revival oi interest in the Indian rope trick," Levante said, " and there is almost an epidemic of people who claim to be able to perform it, but I emphatically state that it cannot be done. It has never been done, and never will be done. I spent a long time in India trying to find anybody who could do the trick. I even went so far as to advertise that I would give £lOOll to anyone who would perform and sell me the trick. That offer still holds good. The nearest I got to it was ' that someone had heard of someone doing the trick up in the hill country.' The Indian rope trick is moonshine. During my Dunedin season it is my intention to present' an entirely new class .of magical entertainment, an attraction which took me many years to perfect, and one which I feel sure will meet the tastes of all classes of amusement lovers. ' How's Tricks? ' embraces novelty, mirth, music, mystery, comedy, and charm. It is a real family show." . The Dunedin season is for nine nights, with matinees on Saturdays and Wednesday at 2.15. The box plans are at the D.I.C.