Six of Cape Town’s most talented magical teens have been chosen to represent South Africa in the magic capitals of the world from 2 to 16 October 2018.
These lucky young magic enthusiasts will travel to the bright cities of Las Vegas and New York in the United States of America (USA) to put on an unforgettable show.
Sesona Gagana, Anela Gazi, Liam Hewitson, Emma Hutchison, Sahil Samlal and Duncan Shelver are thrilled students of the College of Magic, who have scores of magical achievements, including performing onstage at SA’s biggest magic show, the Imagine and Family Magic Spectacular at the Artscape Theatre this past June.
In March they were chosen for this astonishing opportunity because of their passion and dedication to the art of the magical performing arts.
The exhilarating trip to the United States is arranged annually by the College of Magic and this year’s edition will see the nation’s youngest illusionists explore Las Vegas and New York through a series of magical, educational and theatrical experiences, including training sessions to further their magical development and meet and greets with some of magic’s greatest performers such as Penn and Teller, David Copperfield, Terry Fator and more.
Team Magic South Africa includes:
– Sesona Gagana (15), from Khayelitsha, is an ardent student of the magical arts who enthusiastically absorbs everything he can learn about close-up magic, stage magic, juggling, mime and clowning during his weekly lessons at the College of Magic in Claremont.
– Anela Gazi (18), from Mfuleni, is an aspiring writer and spoken word artist with a passion for magic. This young magician is incredibly excited to see and meet some of the best magical performers in the world.
– Liam Hewitson (15), from Bergvliet, dreams of a future in magical entertainment. He’s aiming to perform on a stage to the magic-adoring crowds in Las Vegas and become one of the best performers of all time.
– Emma Hutchison (16), from Claremont, was the only female magician to compete against eight of her male counterparts in the 2018 Western Cape Junior Magician Championships held earlier this month. The multi-talented teen is keen to share her magic ability with international fans of the art in the USA and to grow in her performance abilities.
– Sahil Samlal (16), from Century City, recently won the Up-and-Coming Supreme Trophy at the 2018 Western Cape Junior Magician Championships for his successful performance skills and great potential. He cannot wait to learn new tricks from magic’s greatest artists and come back and show them to everyone in South Africa.
– Duncan Shelver (16), from Bellville, is a keen guitar player and believes that magic is one of the greatest art forms that invokes wonder and imagination all at the same time. He is especially excited to be shown around New York City by his magical idol, renowned magician Joshua Jay.
“Magic is an escape from reality – a world where anything is possible. To be able to travel for the first time and to be invited to America, to meet the legends of the magic industry, is the impossible made possible for us. We are so thankful for this unbelievable opportunity and we cannot wait to represent our country in the USA this October”, say the excited teens.
Public’s magic fundraising wand needed:
To have been chosen to represent South Africa and showcase what the nation’s growing magical community has to offer on a global stage is a wonderful honour but comes at a great cost – the talented young magicians have been working hard to raise R100 000 through public performances and a public Go Get Funding online campaign since March.
The funds raised will cover the costs of travelling from the dusty streets of Cape Town to the beguiling sidewalks of the famous cities of the USA, spending money, magical attire for the trip, food and lodging and administrative costs.
With this once-in-lifetime dream a mere week away, there is still time to for the caring public to support the teens’ ongoing fundraising campaign.
Member of the public can donate here.
Pictures: Supplied