Motion Filled Magic with Bill Blagg is an electrifying and mind-bending performance that combines the art of magic with the science of motion. Bill Blagg, a highly talented illusionist and entertainer, brings his unique style of magic to the stage, captivating audiences with his awe-inspiring tricks and illusions. What sets Motion Filled Magic apart from traditional magic shows is the incorporation of innovative technology and the principles of physics to create mind-boggling illusions. Blagg seamlessly combines elements of science, technology, and art to create a performance that is visually stunning and intellectually stimulating. One of the main highlights of the show is Blagg's mastery of motion. He uses his understanding of physics and the principles of motion to create illusions that seem to defy the laws of nature.
Akumu Christen now helps the people in her neighbourhood town. Paico, in different ways, including:
Then my sister brought another witch doctor to initiate me into being a witch doctor, which was what the jok wanted all along, and that s how I became a witch doctor. Or stop them from being haunted or rerunning in their minds the bad things that they did in the bush, preventing nightmares and helping them cope in their community.
He uses his understanding of physics and the principles of motion to create illusions that seem to defy the laws of nature. Objects float in mid-air, disappear and reappear in the blink of an eye, and seemingly solid objects are transformed into liquid. Blagg's expertise in using technology adds an extra layer of excitement to the show.
What do witch doctors actually do?
One thing every Acholi person wants to avoid is being associated with a witch doctor, but I took courage and informed the bodaboda (motorbike taxi) man that I was heading to the witch doctor’s place. He bombarded me with questions: What is your problem? Are you looking for riches? Has someone bewitched you? And his last word was that these people (witch doctors) are bad.
People certainly associate witch doctors with bad acts. They don’t associate witch doctors with, for example, deciding whether widows, with or without children, can stay on the land of their dead husbands, return to their maiden home or have the choice to reject or accept a protector (male relative of their late husband)?
Yet these are just some of the roles I discovered when I interviewed some witch doctors in Northern Uganda as part of my research for CPAID. Let’s hear from Akumu Christen (a female witch doctor):
‘It was in 2009 when I became a witch doctor, even though I never wanted to be one. In 2005 I was attacked by a ‘jok’ for the first time’.
Robin: ‘She was trying to show me what she uses in her daily work, Each one of those things has got different roles to play. The spear represents a god call Jok Kalawinya. Kalawinya is summoned when someone is possessed by evil spirits. The Bible represents a god called Mary, Mary is a white and she loves peace, so for anything concerning bringing peace, they summon her. The beer bottle represents a god call Jok Kirikitiny. Kirikitiny is a god from the Karomonjong ethnic groups – he is concerned with protection. The small syrup bottles contain a liquid substance which she takes before starting her work, it makes her see and hear from the gods.’
A jok is a class of spirit within the traditional Acholi belief system that is viewed as the cause of illness. Traditional healers (known as ajwaka) first identify the jok in question and then make an appropriate sacrifice and ceremony to counter them. Alternatively if such an approach is unsuccessful the person possessed by the jok can go through a series of rituals to gain some level of control over the jok and then themselves become ajwaka.
‘This jok wanted me to become a witch doctor. When I resisted, I became mad for three months, but in the fourth month I was taken from the forest and became a born-again Christian and the jok left me alone. But that liberty only lasted for two years and then I suffered the hardest attack yet from the jok. I became mad for the second time and lived in trees like a monkey for three months without eating food or drinking water and without coming down to the ground. Then my sister brought another witch doctor to initiate me into being a witch doctor, which was what the jok wanted all along, and that’s how I became a witch doctor.
‘I was scared because of what people would say but I now have realised that this jok–known as jokajula- does not support wrong-doing like killing people. I don’t do rituals to kill people but to help them’.
Akumu Christen now helps the people in her neighbourhood town. Paico, in different ways, including:
Mental Health Worker: Helping victims or Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) returnees by trying to stop or prevent spirits from attacking them. Or stop them from being haunted or rerunning in their minds the bad things that they did in the bush, preventing nightmares and helping them cope in their community.
Peace Maker: Participating in the reconciliation of two clans, where one killed a person from the other clan. Beside that she is also involved in summoning the spirit of the dead to ask him who should receive the ‘kwo money’(blood money paid to the victim’s family/clan).
Family Therapist: End barrenness in both men and women, which is hugely important because children are very significant to an Acholi: for a home to be called a home it should have children around.
Repair broken marriages or relationships.
Livelihoods Promotion: Remove bad luck and make people rich, especially those who have been put into bondage by bad people who want them to remain poor.
Disaster Prevention: She is summoned by the community elders to perform rituals to prevent natural calamities like drought or floods.
These are some of the things she does, but she is also a mother of two children with a very loving husband.
So now let me ask you again, do you still think witch doctors are bad people?
Robin Oryem (@oryem_robin ) is a researcher for LSE’s CPAID programme in northern Uganda.
The views expressed in this post are those of the author and in no way reflect those of the Africa at LSE blog, the Firoz Lalji Centre for Africa or the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Family Therapist: End barrenness in both men and women, which is hugely important because children are very significant to an Acholi: for a home to be called a home it should have children around.
He incorporates high-tech props and gadgets that enhance the magical experience. The use of lights, lasers, and special effects adds to the overall visual spectacle and creates an immersive atmosphere for the audience. Beyond the spectacular illusions and stunning visuals, Motion Filled Magic also has a message of inspiration and wonder. Blagg's performances aim to ignite a sense of curiosity and awe, encouraging audiences to question the world around them and embrace the unknown. Through his magic, he reminds us that anything is possible, and that the world is filled with endless possibilities. In conclusion, Motion Filled Magic with Bill Blagg is a truly captivating and unique performance that combines the art of magic with the science of motion. Blagg's mastery of illusions, his understanding of physics, and his use of technology create an unforgettable experience for audiences. Whether you are a fan of magic, science, or simply looking for a night of awe-inspiring entertainment, Motion Filled Magic is a show that should not be missed..
Reviews for "Get ready for an unforgettable night of motion magic with Bill Blagg"
1. Emily - 2 out of 5 stars - I was really disappointed with "Motion filled magic with Bill Blagg". The show seemed cheesy and outdated, with tired magic tricks that I've seen a thousand times before. The pacing was off, and there were awkward pauses between tricks that made the whole experience feel awkward. Overall, I found it to be boring and not worth the ticket price.
2. John - 1 out of 5 stars - I can't believe I wasted my money on "Motion filled magic with Bill Blagg". The tricks were so predictable and unimpressive. It felt like I was watching a beginner magician perform on a small stage. The show lacked any sort of innovation and the illusions felt outdated. I would not recommend this show to anyone looking for a truly mind-blowing magical experience.
3. Sarah - 2 out of 5 stars - As someone who has seen numerous magic shows, "Motion filled magic with Bill Blagg" was a letdown. The tricks were basic and unoriginal, lacking any real wow factor. The performance felt rushed and there was no real connection between the magician and the audience. I was hoping for an evening filled with wonder and amazement, but instead, I left feeling underwhelmed.