No magic wand for these tough times

Magicians struggle to find a means of livelihood following a ban on gatherings

The COVID-19 pandemic has derailed the lives of magicians, just like other artistes, who are struggling to find a means of livelihood in the face of a ban on large gatherings.

“We can create an illusion of hundreds of currency notes on stage, but back home, we are struggling to make both ends meet,” said illusionist Samraj, one of the best known professional magicians in Kerala.

He said dozens of magicians had ended their lives during the pandemic, unable to find a means of livelihood. “The condition of magicians is pathetic, and many are facing severe mental stress,” he said on Sunday on the sidelines of the ninth annual convention of Malayali Magicians’ Association here. The association has around 400 members, while it is estimated that there are over 4,000 magicians in the State, who earn a living through stage shows and public performances, said Joseph Seba, Alappuzha district secretary of the Association.