HONG KONG – Renowned illusionist Franz Harary on Thursday shared insights into his performance philosophy and the challenges faced in an era where technology often outpaces the sense of wonder.

His show IMAGINE NATION will run at the Wan Chai Harbourfront Event Space in Hong Kong till Feb 4.

Speaking at a press meet on Thursday, he invited all to reclaim the wonder of youth and explore the limits of their imagination.

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"People have become so accustomed to technology nowadays that it is very hard to amaze them. As an illusion creator, the challenge is to make the audience think that perhaps there is something more. The show aims to allow people to recapture that childhood wonder we all experienced as kids," he said.

Harary highlighted the transformative potential of simple, everyday occurrences when viewed through the lens of magic.

"When I was little, the first time I saw an elevator, I was amazed. I saw a man walk in, the doors closing, and a woman coming out! To me, that was magic. I couldn't help but wonder, if I walked in, what would I be turned into?"

Discussing the interplay between technology and illusion, he said as technology advanced, magic needed to serve that wave; hence stay slightly ahead of what is possible. At the same time, it is magic that inspires technology, just as science fiction inspires the scientific community. A lot of technology today was considered magic fifty years ago, he said.

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The illusionist also acknowledged how the Hong Kong audience appeared to put the aesthetics of the show over general curiosity.

Harary described how magic was a unique art form, distinct from dance, musicals, and theatre - it inspired people to believe that the impossible can be achieved and that they could take control of their own reality.