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"From the 1840’s through the 1930’s, stage magic was hugely popular form of mass entertainment. Among its most inspired practitioners were an exceptional number of Jewish performers who became international stars and pioneers of prestidigitation. Join magician and author Allan Zola Kronzek for an intriguing mix of history and mystery celebrating these iconic performers.
This illustrated talk and performance will focus on the lives of eight unique performers and the impact they had on the culture of their times, and the world of magic.
“The emphasis on Jewish performers is due to two factors,” Kronzek explained. “First, I am one. And second, ever since magic became a popular mass entertainment in the 1850’s, Jewish performers have been disproportionately represented among the all-time greats, given our small numbers in the general population. This is a curious fact, and one that I’ve been researching for several years.”
Among the oddities explored will be how a Polish immigrant launched a national craze for sawing women in half, how a Renaissance engineer helped shape the art of card magic, and how the son of a rabbi, became the most famous, highest-paid entertainer the world."
Southampton Arts Center
