Awe of Japanese Magic with David Hirata
Sunday, February 27th, 6 pm
A virtual program with live and multimedia performance, held in conjunction with J-Sei’s 31st Annual Crab Feed
Intrigued by the beauty and illusion of classic feats of illusion and sleight of hand, David Hirata performs magic along with stories that weave in the history and influence of Japanese magic (wazuma) in America. In his solo show “Box Without A Bottom: Soko-nashi Bako,” Hirata introduced Namigoro Sumidagawa, the first Japanese to receive a passport to America, who traveled with the Imperial Troupe in 1866 and dazzled Victorian audiences with his stage magic. Sumidagawa’s most famous illusions included Soko-nashi Bako, which was notoriously appropriated by American magicians in yellowface and rechristened the “J*p Box,” and Ukare-no Cho, or “Paper Butterflies.”
Interspersing his own journey as a magician, Hirata also reveals the ingenious techniques of twentieth-century master magician Tenkai Ishida, known for Tenkai Palm and other card manipulation techniques.
Delightful and dexterous, David Hirata has amazed audiences throughout the Bay Area with theatrical magic and private shows. Previous shows include “Kanji by Starlight” at The Marsh, “American Wizards” at the California Magic Dinner Theater, and “A Box Without A Bottom” at the San Diego International Fringe Festival (2018) and The Marsh (SF & Berkeley 2019).
“The Gentleman Deceiver: the smooth and sophisticated magic of David Hirata is a joy to behold.” – Gerry Griffin, owner of the California Magic Dinner Theater
RSVP at Eventbrite for tickets or email jill@j-sei.org with “Magic” in the subject line.