Master illusionist Edmundo Da Cunha wows Rotarians with his performance
Edmundo Da Cunha
When renowned illusionist Edmundo Da Cunha took the stage at last week’s meeting, the audience’s anticipation was running high. Rotarians and Rotaryannes had heard a lot about the feats he could perform and were looking forward to his interactive session. For the past 15 years, the award-winning magician has repeatedly stunned audiences with his spectacular performances, which are complemented by his effective communication skills and spontaneous sense of humour. In Edmundo’s interactive sessions, there are no camera tricks or computer graphics as far as assistance with illusions are concerned; he uses his quick wit and impressive tricks to prove why he is among the best.
Reena Rupani, daughter of Rtn. Nanik Rupani, introduced the speaker as the Programme Committee Chairman could not attend the meeting. She vouched for his ability to mesmerise his audience. Edmundo began the session with a deceptive magic illusion — he changed the colour of a `100 note! Next, he performed the disappearing drink magic trick which left everyone asking themselves “How the heck did he do that?!”It was then time for members from the audience to participate. Edmundo performed a card trick with Rtn. Ashish Vaid and Reena Rupani and had the audience thinking it was all a joke till he revealed the real trick. Another card trick saw the participation of PP Pradeep Saxena, PP Rtn. Kalpana Munshi and PP Rtn. Paul Geoge. His jokes had everyone chuckling and his tricks evoked shocked gasps from the audience as he made items appear and disappear in the blink of an eye.
Edmundo said that while magicians have been practicing their craft for ages, the oldest trick in the world of magic — a cup and a ball — still manages to win hearts. And that was exactly what he performed next. He made the ball seemingly disappear from the cup and appear again. What made the trick so special was that Edmundo was telling the audience what he was doing — he showed what he was doing — and yet the audience couldn’t fight the deception.
The most impressive trick, however, was the ‘rope and knot’ trick. He needed two volunteers, who could tie him. Rtn. Mohit Jain and Arnav Vaid participated in this old party trick that was fun to watch. They tied Edmundo’s wrists and legs using all their strength; but to the surprise and delight of everyone in the audience Edmundo managed to unlink himself without untying the ropes. It was absolutely impossible to explain how he did what he did and the trick was undoubtedly the highlight of the afternoon.
After untying himself, Edmundo concluded his session with a message. He said, “In our personal and work life we often face obstacles due to which we feel we are tied and can’t move. But if you believe in the power of magic and yourself then you will manage to get out. The power of magic lies in your hands.”