Pursuing the magic The pursuit of magic has captivated human beings for centuries. From ancient civilizations to modern day, people have sought to touch the mystical, the unexplainable, the extraordinary. This enduring fascination with magic stems from our innate desire to navigate the vast unknown and discover hidden depths within ourselves and the world around us. Magic, in its myriad forms, offers a reprieve from the constraints of reality. It allows us to believe in the impossible, to dream beyond the boundaries of our daily lives. Whether it manifests as illusions on stage, enchanting tales in books, or supernatural phenomena in folklore, magic serves as a gateway to a world where anything is possible.
Watch below, and prepare to be inspired!
Beginning in the 1930s with the pathbreaking ethnographic work of Katherine Dunham and Zora Neale Hurston in Haiti and ending with the present-day popularity of Afro-diasporic spiritual practices among Black women, she offers an alternative genealogy of Black feminism, characterized by its desire to reconnect with ancestrally centered religions like Vodou. Beginning in the 1930s with the pathbreaking ethnographic work of Katherine Dunham and Zora Neale Hurston in Haiti and ending with the present-day popularity of Afro-diasporic spiritual practices among Black women, she offers an alternative genealogy of Black feminism, characterized by its desire to reconnect with ancestrally centered religions like Vodou.
Whether it manifests as illusions on stage, enchanting tales in books, or supernatural phenomena in folklore, magic serves as a gateway to a world where anything is possible. Not only does magic provide an escape, but it also grants us a sense of wonder and awe. It stirs the imagination, igniting a spark of curiosity within us.
In Pursuit of Magic: An Artist's Lesson in Manifesting a Dream
I often confess to having an insatiable case of wanderlust. I rarely stay in one place for long and currently claim both NYC and LA as home. When hearing of my travel routine of the past year I was often asked "what are you searching for?" And while the easy answer is "adventure, new experiences and inspiration" the most concise answer is actually just. magic.
Magic can appear in many forms. It can mean being in flow with your surroundings when everything seems "meant to be" and easy. It can be as grand as laying eyes on the Taj Mahal or striking up conversation with a local whose beliefs expand your understanding of normal. It can also be as simple as discovering a new secret hiking trail, or that a long lost friend lives in your neighborhood. It can mean overhearing a snippet of conversation that seems to be advice just for you, or noticing a dimple in your lover's smile.
One day years ago, while wandering around my own neighborhood I quite literally stumbled upon the pursuit of magic. The words were scrawled on the sidewalk, assuring me that I was on the right path. Last summer, in a magical pocket of Big Sur called Esalen, I happened to meet the artist and cofounder of In Pursuit of Magic, Betty Kay Kendrick. What started as a passion project has since become a worldwide phenom, sprinkling good vibes and connecting communities across the globe.
In the wake of her successful solo art show in New York, beautiful Betty Kay spills on the magic that led her down this artists path, and what it means to follow the signs of the universe.
Watch below, and prepare to be inspired!
Drawing on the collected archives of distinguished twentieth-century Black woman writers such as Lucille Clifton, Audre Lorde, Toni Cade Bambara, Lorraine Hansberry, and others, Marina Magloire traces a new history of Black feminist thought in relation to Afro-diasporic religion. Beginning in the 1930s with the pathbreaking ethnographic work of Katherine Dunham and Zora Neale Hurston in Haiti and ending with the present-day popularity of Afro-diasporic spiritual practices among Black women, she offers an alternative genealogy of Black feminism, characterized by its desire to reconnect with ancestrally centered religions like Vodou.
In this pursuit, we become explorers of both the outer and inner realms, seeking to unravel the mysteries that lie beneath the surface of reality. Magic challenges our perceptions and pushes us to question what we assume to be true. However, the pursuit of magic is not without its challenges. It requires dedication, patience, and a willingness to embrace the unknown. Magic necessitates a surrendering of our preconceived notions and a willingness to believe in the extraordinary. It demands that we step outside of our comfort zones and venture into uncharted territories. Ultimately, the pursuit of magic is a deeply personal journey. It is unique to each individual, as we all have our own understanding of what magic means to us. For some, it may be a source of solace and escape from the mundanity of everyday life. For others, it may be a means of exploring the depths of human potential and spirituality. In essence, pursuing the magic is a quest to discover the extraordinary within ourselves. It is a recognition that there is more to the world than meets the eye – a hidden tapestry of enchantment and mystery that awaits those who are brave enough to seek it. And as we embark on this journey, we may find that the true magic lies not in the illusions and the tricks, but in the profound transformation that occurs within us as we become part of something greater..
Reviews for "The Magic of Theatre: Exploring the Unseen World Behind the Curtain"
1. Jane - 2/5 stars - I was really excited to read "Pursuing the Magic" after hearing so many great things about it, but I was ultimately disappointed. The characters felt flat and two-dimensional, making it hard for me to connect with them or care about their story. The pacing was also inconsistent, with some parts dragging on while others felt rushed. Additionally, the plot was predictable and lacked any real surprises. Overall, "Pursuing the Magic" didn't live up to the hype for me.
2. Mark - 3/5 stars - I found "Pursuing the Magic" to be an average read. While the concept was intriguing, I felt that the execution fell short. The world-building was lacking, leaving me with unanswered questions and a lack of understanding of the magical system. The writing style was also overly descriptive, making the story feel tedious at times. However, there were some enjoyable moments and the author showed potential. While "Pursuing the Magic" didn't completely captivate me, I believe others may still find enjoyment in it.
3. Ashley - 2/5 stars - I really struggled to get through "Pursuing the Magic". The writing felt amateurish, with awkward dialogue and stilted descriptions. The characters lacked depth and the romance felt forced and unrealistic. The plot lacked coherence, with multiple subplots that didn't add much to the overall story. I was left feeling unsatisfied and disappointed after reading "Pursuing the Magic", and I wouldn't recommend it to others.
4. Ryan - 1/5 stars - I couldn't finish "Pursuing the Magic". The writing was incredibly boring and I couldn't connect with the characters at all. The dialogue was unnatural and the plot felt contrived. I found myself skipping pages just to get through the book, and even then, I couldn't find any enjoyment in it. "Pursuing the Magic" was a complete letdown for me and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.