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The Chang Archives
South American Notes |
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This article was originally published in The Sphinx, June 1944.
IN MY last notes, I mentioned the advent of Chang, the world-trotting Chinese magician, to Buenos Aires. His debut at the luxurious Teatro Avenida was welcomed, not only by the local magi, but also by the general public, and the general acceptance of the show has been manifested by the extraordinary box-office receipts. Chang's personality besides his well balanced and up-to-date show has been responsible for what is today the leading attraction of show business in the Argentine Republic. At the time of writing (early May) Chang has just concluded his 100th performance, and the event was celebrated with a gala performance and souvenir programmes. Suffice it to say that it was not until his 85th performance that he found it necessary to change his programme due to the affluence of public. His second programme was equally well received as the first, and included many new tricks and illusions. The main spots were silk production, the water bowl, transposition of dice and clock, 20th Century silks, Sands of the Desert, wine and water (including milk and beer), Noah's Ark illusion, ring, dove and nest of boxes routine, glass penetration, transposition of rice, orange and beer bottles, dyeing silks with changing coloured fan, cut and restored necktie, moon and sun effect, inexhaustible beer barrel, flags of the nations, cage illusion, disappearing gramophone, talking skull, table lifting, escape trunk, flower and bouquet production, guillotine illusion, thumb tie and the levitation. Interspersed with the magic were innumerable dancing ballets by a well trained troupe of twelve girls, juggling by Chang's Chinese assistant, an exhibitions of black light. Altogether a very welcome reappearance of a popular magician in an oasis of wand wielders. Chang expects to be in Buenos Aires for some months yet, when he will tour the Republic. When the time comes for him to go, he will leave behind a host of friends and supporters, who recognise in him a good friend, a first class magician, and a gentleman.
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