Thought For The Week March 30, 2009

"I believe in simplicity: simplicity of effect, simplicity of method, and simplicity of construction." - Ali Bongo

Ali Bongo (William Oliver Wallace) died on March 8, 2009. He was 79 years old. Ali was an extremely creative entertainer with a long career. He created his Ali Bongo character in 1948. I saw him perform his act in 2007 at the Magic Show Conference in Branson, MO. The Bongo Hat and the Pom Pom Stick are just two of his creations that have been used by clowns and other entertainers around the world. He also popularized the magical phrase "Hokus Pokus Chicken Bones Choke Us." He has left a rich legacy.

Ali produced a large number of effects because of his involvement with two magicians on British television. During a nine-year period he worked for David Nixon on 85 hour-long shows. Each show featured two large illusions and about five smaller effects. Ali was the only one researching effects, coming up with ideas, and designing the illusions. After David Nixon died of cancer in 1978, Ali joined the cast and crew of the Paul Daniels show. For the next 17 years he appeared on the show thirteen weeks each year. He also created illusions for the show. (Although he did not consider himself a children's entertainer, Ali do star in his own TV show, Al Bong's Cartoon Carnival, on BBC in 1970. On his show he introduced cartoons, performed magic, and taught optical illusions.)

In his lecture at the Magic Show Conference, Ali explained his views on simplicity. Simplicity of effect means the audience can understand what happens. Simplicity of method means you don't have to think about the method so you can concentrate on your presentation. Simplicity of construction means it is as easy as possible to build. Here are some of my views:

If your audience is confused and can't remember what happened your act is too complicated. Ideally audience members should be able to sum up your effect or act in a few words or sentences. For example, in the classic Miser's Dream a magician produces coins from unexpected places including plucking them from the air. This concept applies to acts besides magic. A Chris Bliss video currently circulating the internet can be summarized as a juggler varies the rhythm of his tricks in perfect synchronization to music by the Beattles.

Simplicity of method does not eliminate the need for skill. Often the simplest way to perform an effect is to use a sleight of hand method that you have practiced to the point that it is well within your skill level. Sometimes "self-working" tricks can be more difficult to use than sleight of hand.

There is a time and place for well constructed props that can stand up to repeated use and are the simplest method to perform an effect. I own some props that I have purchased that I could never construct myself. Some of them I added to my collection just because I admire the craftsmanship. I also have some props that I spent a great deal of time and effort constructing. However, you should also know some effects that you can quickly and easily construct with minimum expense so that you can customize them for special performances. Audiences are very flattered when they can tell you made the effort to do something just for them. Computers are a great tool in doing this. You will find many easily constructed effects in Creativity For Entertainers Volume Three. However, ease of construction does not have to mean shoddy appearance. Ali Bongo said that doing a weekly TV show meant they had six days to develop an idea, build the props, and rehearse the routines. Many of the props they used on television didn't have to be sturdy because they were intended for a single use so they were made from cardboard. However, viewers could not tell what they were made from because of the way they were decorated.

Are your effects and other routines simple? Do you use simple methods to accomplish what you perform on stage? Do you use simple construction techniques that provide results that look good? Do you have effects or other elements in your act that you can easily customize to fit a particular audience or performance?