Global Wizards Gather in Shanghai as International Magic Festival Casts a Spell
The 15th Shanghai International Magic Festival, a highlight of the ongoing 25th China Shanghai International Arts Festival, opened on Tuesday and will run through Sunday (November 1).
Building on the legacy of its previous 14 editions, the festival has become a major event for magic arts in China and across Asia. The 15th edition will continue to emphasize professionalism and international exchange while placing a stronger focus on the theme of "Magic and Urban Life".
By taking magic beyond traditional theaters and into urban spaces and everyday life, this year's event aims to engage wider audiences through diverse cross-disciplinary experiences. It will showcase the latest trends in the global magic scene while providing a new platform for innovation in Chinese magic and international artistic exchange, further reinforcing Shanghai's position as a leading hub for magic arts in Asia.
The festival will feature two major programs – an International Showcase of Stage Magic and an International Close-up Magic Master Gala Show. A total of eight performances will be staged at the theaters of the Guidance Center for Culture and Arts of Pudong New Area.
Acclaimed magicians from Italy, China, Germany, France, Argentina, Russia, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States will take the stage, presenting a diverse range of styles and innovative approaches. Combining artistic excellence, visual spectacle and an international perspective, the performances promise audiences a rich and engaging celebration of the art of magic.
The International Close-up Magic Competition, held as part of this year's festival, received nearly 30 applications. Following a selection process, 15 magicians from Thailand, South Korea and various regions of China were shortlisted for the competition.
The International Magic Props Exhibition will bring together 23 exhibitors from China, Singapore, the US, Argentina and Spain to showcase the latest developments in magic prop research and encourage creativity and innovation in the industry.
Meanwhile, the Magic Market will return featuring 20 magic-themed stalls and fantasy live performances. It will offer the public new and engaging ways to experience the wonder of magic up close.
Another highlight this year is an exhibition on the profound history and culture of magic in the city of Shanghai. The exhibition will display 146 rare historical documents and artifacts related to magic, including vintage posters, performance programs, old photographs and historical correspondence.
If you go
Date: Through November 1
Venue: Experimental Theater of the Guidance Center for Culture and Arts of Pudong New Area 浦东新区文化艺术指导中心
Address: 2769 Jinxiu Rd 锦绣路2769号
