hi chitra One doesn't have colour or three-dimensional forms. The artiste has to create maximum impact on the flat screen." Rarely do we come across persons who have not only specialised in more than two or three areas but also made a mark in each of them. T.K. Vadivel Pillai is a leading close up magician, an expert hand shadow theatre artiste, a versatile painter, a good ventriloquist and a visiting professor at the National Institute of Fashion Technology, Chennai. He is a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians (U.S.), Society of AmericanMagicians (U.S.) and the Supreme Magicians Club (U.K.) SHADOW play is a unique and wonderful art form, which is performed for a large audience. Only a few people in the country are adept at it," says Mr. Pillai. With his fingers, he brings to life different personalities, animals and birds. According to him close up magic is "performed for small groups where illusions are created right under the nose of the audience. This is ideal for walk-around restaurant settings and private parties." On hand shadow theatre, he says, "I use my fingers to bring to life personalities, animals and things that are tied together with studio-recorded music and a story. Its origin can be traced to the days of cavemen. Today, this art has been raised to perfection." (which means there is a possible trend of you putting ur kid to him for learning) He says in India the hand shadow theatre is not popular because it is very difficult. "There is excruciating pain when you start off, because your fingers have to be bent out of shape to bring images to shape. (kids at earlier age groups have a physical fitness which can bend them more better than adults, so why dont you ask him if you can put ur son thru) The fingers need stretching and warming. Most people drop out in the initial stages." Also, one cannot produce multiple shadows if there is only one person as a shadow-grapher. At the most, one can show two animals or two persons meeting. But this theatre is challenging, as "one doesn't have colour or three-dimensional forms. The artiste has to create maximum impact on that flat screen." Mr. Pillai has set up the Madras Magic Centre in Chennai. It teaches magic to anybody interested in it conducts weekend workshops. (U can start here, but verify the participants age limit which Vadivel can start with) The sessions are not theory-oriented, but give participants opportunity to learn and perform. The centre also sells magic props in kits. "In India, magic has been shrouded in secrecy for generations, probably because gurus were apprehensive of competition. Today, with so many techniques available, there is no problem if the other magician knows some techniques. In fact, sharing knowledge will help all of us learn and invent more." says Vadivel. Mr. Vadivel has performed several shows organised by corporate companies and television channels. The Madras Magic Centre is on 33, Landons Road, Kilpauk, Chennai - 600 010. Phone: 641 2835 Mobile: 98400-59396. email: magic_vel@yahoo.com You just dont need to try him! He is a world if Magic! Just contact him and put ur son thru. Maybe he will oblige. Kutty

astounding!!! thank you kutty for that much of information. i am pleased. i will contact him and post the response.

chutra, you can also contact Mr. Dorai. He is a magician and a small timer, not so big like Kutty's persons, but he is good. I saw him perform at GRT Hotel. His contact number is : 98401-78128

thanks a lot nidhi

I spoke to mr.vadivel recommended by kutty, he kindly informed that he conducts 5 weeks magic course during june every year, the appropriate age would be above 8 years and would charge around Rs.5000/-. You could contact him during 1st week of june at Phone: 641 2835 Mobile: 98400-59396. email: magic_vel@yahoo.com