Workshop explores the overlaps between magic and theatre

Kaushik Bhaduri (right) at an earlier workshop

While most theatre workshops are conducted by stage thespians, here's one with a difference. Starting tomorrow, a two-day workshop will witness Bengaluru-based magician Kaushik Bhaduri, address a group of 20 professional and amateur theatre makers - actors and directors - to explore the overlaps between magic and theatre. With nearly 30 years of experience, Bhaduri is an accomplished magician, mentalist and theatre enthusiast, who has performed magic shows in over 60 countries.

Bhaduri performs a close-up magic routine

"We are exploring this workshop for the first time," shares Sapan Saran, co-founder of the city-based theatre company, Tamaasha that's presenting it. He adds, "We met Kaushik in Bengaluru while touring with our play, Blank Page. He spoke about how, direction is important in theatre; and on the other hand, misdirection is a key tool for magicians. The discussion triggered the idea of the workshop."

The workshop will focus on understanding the fundamentals of an improvisational performing art form like magic. Guests will also learn easy and usable techniques to help them enhance suspension of disbelief and build characters on stage. "The sessions will be interactive, consisting of games and exercises related to modern close-up and informal platform magic routines and mentalism using cards, coins and ropes. Participants will go back with new ideas resulting in actual routines, set pieces and call-backs that they can use in their professional work," sums up Saran.