by limberjack » Feb 12th, '06, 15:37
THE EFFECT
Recycling the magical way by Michael Rappa, a book of routines for magicians to get across the importance of recycling for performance to schools/youth groups etc.
The book is A5 size (softback) with 90 pages.
COST = £13.00p from Davenports catalogue.
DIFFICULTY ?
REVIEW
A lot of thought and performing experience has gone into this, Michael Rappa is obviously a very accomplished magician and all of the routines have been written, tried and tested by him.
The book contains about 20 routines that link together to form a 40 - 45 minute show.
This book does not give away any magical secrets, the author assumes that you will have some magical knowledge.
Each short routine deals with adifferent issue i.e. recycling, glass, plastic, paper etc and a different magic prop is used to enforce the message and make it more memorable.
For example when explaining about landfill sites you may wish to use rice bowls to demonstrate the overflowing effect, and so on for each subject.
You will need a few props these include: Magical Drawing Board, Special Magical Types Of Bottles, Cans, Ropes, Coin Nest, Tricky Bottles etc.
The book also includes a simple introductory/booking letter and study guide activities so you have something to hand out to your audience after the show.
Each routine is fully scripted so you do not have to be an expert on recycling and Michael also gives tips and ideas for putting together your own routines.
OVERALL
This is a little gem of a book, the potential for gaining a considerable amount of work from this cannot be overstated although not guaranteed.
I would have thought that any form of entertainment with an educational message would be very popular, especially as the subject of recycling and reducing waste is now more important than ever.
I like this a lot and it has certainly got me thinking!!!
OVERALL RATING
9/10. I would have given it 10, but you will have to spend on effects if you do not already have them, you may be able to substitute and use effects that you already own.