Magician and inventor Franz Harary weaves together illusion and wonder in a hallmark performance of grand-scale magic at Hong Kong’s Wan Chai Harbourfront Event Space.
Titled IMAGINE NATION, the show, which began on Dec 28, runs through Feb 4.
Known for his escape acts and object transformations, Harary’s team employs lasers, props, and lighting to craft visual effects that leave audiences wondering about the mechanics behind his magic.
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The illusions are not just about the spectacle but also about the technique, interplay of shadows and light, precise timing, and art of misdirection.
"Everything that you see, everything that you understand comes from information that you get from your eyes, your ears, your nose, your mouth, and your senses. So, these senses are creating the illusion of a reality inside your head. Like a bat has different reality, a snake has different reality," Harary said during an interview with China Daily on Friday.
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"What I do involves using psychology and engineering, along with an understanding of the rhythm of life, to play with your senses so that the input entering your brain reflects a false reality. Your brain interprets this as magic.”
His work doesn't claim to defy the laws of nature, but it does offer a temporary suspension of disbelief, a break from reality where anything seems possible. "We want to believe that the magic is real, to become like a child again," he added.
Harary stressed that the biggest challenge for the show is adapting very large-scale illusions, originally designed for stadiums, to fit a relatively intimate theater. This adjustment means that all of the magic is much closer to the audience, allowing them to witness the effects as never before.
He expressed great excitement about bringing this experience to Hong Kong and a potential tour in the Chinese mainland. “I have so many friends in China – all the way from Harbin to Sanya. So, I'm looking forward to it very, very much.”
The production represents the pinnacle of Harary's work, assembling his most celebrated illusions, often featuring the appearance and disappearance of significant objects and structures.
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"This show is a collection of magic that I designed over the last 40 years. And I’ve also invited five of the most celebrated illusionists in the world to come together," he said.
Talking about sharing his thoughts with young people in Hong Kong, Harary said the opportunity for growth in the city is substantial, not only scientifically but also through art, culture, and all facets of life.
“Don't view the world as if it were designed for you and to serve you, rather see your world as a treasure trove of tools that are waiting for someone to discover,” he added.
Contact the writer at irismuk@chinadailyhk.com
