Is there Street Magic?

[darosa.justin]

I just finished reading an article which was brought up in this forum:
http://www.antinomymagic.com/swiss.htm

Now I ask you, does street magic exist? If so, what is it?

Personally I believe Street Magic is a real type of magic. It is performing magic in the street. It can and cannot be prepared. It can and cannot make money for the magician-you. It can and cannot be filmed. Etc. etc.....

The factors I have stated above don't matter- I believe that 'Street Magic' is simply performing magic for STRANGERS on the street.

What do you think?

 

[Close-Up Expert]

My thoughts.......

"Street magic" doesn't exist and is simply a fad. Nothing more, nothing less. In a few years, it'll all be forgotten.

 

[MitchellStafiej]

This has been discussed extensively here:

http://forums.theory11.com/showthread.php?t=2373&highlight=search+street+magic



Searching is fun.

Mitchell

 

[Steerpike]

Oh god, the Jamy Swiss article again. I see a bad moon rising.

Here's a mentalist stunt: I predict that of the people who agree with the article, approximately 85% will parrot Mr. Swiss's exact words and strawman arguments and relentlessly attack Ellusionist and everyone involved with it, while simultaneously ignoring the cognitive dissonance that Swiss himself would more than likely oppose Theory 11 as well.

The article is well-written, but the arguments are bogus and it's just a thinly veiled political attack on David Blaine, Brad Christian and Ellusionist. Swiss is an intelligent man, so it disappoints me to see him wasting his insight and intellect on this Houdini-esque crusade.

I don't expect this thread to go anywhere, really. All attempts at intelligent discourse will be swamped in political infighting, cheap shots, talking points, and any decent argument will be roundly ignored because it's not an easily digestable sound bite.

 

[Bizzaro]

What we call "Street Magic" on forums such as this was started by David Blaine in 89'. Those of us who do "Street Theater" know that it is more of a parlour show than one on one. That doesn't make money. (not like real street magic does) Even what is called Doorway shows (Smaller stand up shows) is done for a large small group (Hunh?) at a time and then you make your pitch for tips.

Here is a journal about various street performers around. It's new so it's not extensive... yet. http://sidewalkperformerswhoswho.blogspot.com/

Educate yo'selves.