Can performing arts be a language? Even after artists are considered non-essential in the society?
For Mr Bottle, performing arts like magic and balloon art breaks down barrier.
Exactly 2 years ago, Mr Bottle was invited to Pyongyang to perform magic at the 31st April Spring Friendship Art Festival.
Mr Bottle: I brought my close-up magic everywhere I go now because of this trip.
At night in the hotel, I hung out at the bar since there wasn’t internet and much English programme to watch on TV. Word got out that I was a magician. Because of requests, I began to perform for the staff and the tourists there.
By the way, I wanted to interact more with the locals and I guess this was the only way I can do that. I wanted to get a sense of how the reality was like ‘on the ground’.
I asked for permission to perform close-up magic at the lobby of the theatre before the start of the show; that was rejected.
The idea of performing at charities or school was also not approved.
Lastly, not to mention my idea of going out on the streets to perform.
Of course, within the compound of hotel, it is a safe arena for me for showcase my magic.
Soon, there were people in the lift recognising me and requesting to perform magic. I had friends everywhere. My art was my new language. Yes, arts is a language.
At the dining hall, there were some children and I performed. Soon, a crowd gathered, including the Russians performers in my theatre.
I could visibly see the difference the next morning when I met them on the bus; the language barrier disappeared! The lady taking down names at the dining hall didn’t want her photo taken initially, but agreed after watching my magic.
On the last day of my performance, my very serious and professional show producer asked for a balloon sculpture. I couldn’t imagine a 50 plus-year-old North Korean asking me for a balloon; I gave of course.
It was just amazing how magic and balloon art connects everyone.
That is why, I am a strong advocate of learning performing arts whether is it music, magic or drawing.
Magic and balloons are my languages, what’s yours?
