The History of Magic
Magic or conjuring is described in an encyclopedia article as an art of entertaining with illusions that are in apparent violation of natural law. The principals of deception that magicians use are psychological; the methods are manipulative and mechanical. The psychological principles are misdirection, suggestion, imitation and concealment. The spectators do not see anything that happens, and they believe they see things that do not happen. Such faulty perception leads to false assumptions, fallacious logic, and, in the end, to the conclusion that the performer has achieved as impossible result.
The first magicians of recorded history were those from ancient Egypt. Jacob Meyer, whose professional name was Philadelphia, was the first American to achieve international reputation as a conjurer. Italian Giuseppe Pinetti was the most imitated magician of the 18th century. French magician Jean Houdin revolutionized the art of magic with his ingenious stage mechanisms and effective presentations.
Flash forward to Las Vegas in the 1970s. The hotel marquees taut the top names in entertainment. Magic is nowhere to be found. Hotel bookers insist the art form doesn’t work.
Enter Siegfried & Roy.
Their acclaimed presentations change the face of Las Vegas entertainment. Masterful illusions and exotic animals became a mainstay. Attendance records are surpassed; box-office counts reach incredible status. Siegfried & Roy become the city’s icons. And, with more than three decades of performing on the famed Las Vegas Strip under their belt, the Magicians of the Century’s nightly Mirage performances continue to attain sell-out status.
“We consider each performance opening night,” explains Siegfried. “With a cast and crew of more than 125, sensitive computer controlling our equipment, and the Royal White Tigers and Magical White Lions, one never knows what is going to happen. What we have is the ultimate team effort with everyone having a perfect night at the plate…most of the time. If that doesn’t happen, then we all adjust.”
“We’re two lucky guys,” smiles Roy. “We’ve been blessed with the opportunity to do something we really love; to entertain people from around the world. And to educate them about other species with whom we share this planet.
“We don’t preach to them, we simply try to make them aware of these wonderful creatures of Mother Nature. If even one person comes to their aid, were thrilled.”
As more and more people join the quest to save species such as the Royal White Tiger and Magical White Lion, they will discover that Siegfried & Roy, through their funding and dedication, are the men who have brought back these magnificent animals from extinction for future generations to share.
