Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?
My name is Magical Bones and I'm a magician and hip-hop dancer.
How would you describe your show?
The show is called Black Magic, and it is a unique magic show that celebrates historical black magicians and challenges the pre-conceived notions of what black magic really is. The show was inspired from the story of Henry “Box” Brown who was a former slave that escaped to freedom on 23 March 1849, by mailing himself in 3- foot-long wooden box from Richmond Virginia to Philadelphia Pennsylvania, where slavery was abolished.
Why do you want to perform at Edinburgh Festival Fringe?
I believe the Edinburgh Fringe Festival is one of the biggest platforms in the world to showcase new work. I also think that due to the number of different types of acts and performers at the Fringe, it can be a good place to develop new ideas.
What differentiates it from other festivals?
I think it is one of the oldest festivals and most established festivals in the world. However, even though it is a very big festival, it is also very intimate because access between performers, agents and the audience is very personal and direct. So, it’s not uncommon for you to be performing for the same person you'd just met in the pub an hour before your show.
What first motivated you to enter the industry? Who were your inspirations?
I have always loved performing and sharing my magic with people. I was inspired by great magicians like David Blaine and Harry Houdini, who push the boundaries of what is humanly possible.
If you didn’t have your current job, what would you probably be doing?
If I didn't have my current job, I would probably have become a maths teacher because I studied maths in university.
If you could have any job in the world, what would it be?
If I could have any other job, I would become a video director because I love making and editing video content
What is your earliest childhood art memory?
My first childhood arts memory was seeing Eddy Murphy RAW on television.
Do you ever feel any pressure to be a social commentator, or constantly update material to respond to events?
I think it is important to always be current and update so you stay relevant and your work is always fresh
Equally, do you think there has been a shift in public sentiment that has affected your work?
I think that because of social media a lot of information is widely spread, therefore this allows me to tell better stories within my own, i.e. themes that have a message.
Describe the last year in 5 words or less?
Gruelling, tough, passionate and self fulfilling.
If you could work with anybody, from any point in history, who would you pick and why?
I would have loved to work with Prince because he was a brilliant artist that was very diverse in his talents, and he always thought outside the box.
Why would a performer opt to do either a ticketed event or participate in the free fringe? What are the benefits and limitations of both?
A performer could do a ticketed event to get a sense of the market value of their show, and a performer could do the free fringe to test out new material and see how the audience responds to new ideas. A ticketed event allows you to make money if it is successful, however, you could potentially lose money if it isn't. The free fringe allows you to get exposure and test out new material, however, you won't make as much money if it is a success because the audience aren't obligated to pay you.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to take a show up to the fringe?
Work hard at your show and make sure it is tight. Then do a proper budget and business plan early to manage your expenditure.
When and where can people see your show?
My show is on at the Underbelly Bristo Square 6.30 pm from 31st July - 24th August. Duration is 60 minutes.
And where can people find, follow and like you online?
You can follow me on Instagram, twitter or facebook: @magicalbones
You can see Magical Bones: Black Magic from 31st July – 25th August at 6:25pm
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