Magician Sean Masterson isn’t quite sure when he became interested in the concept of time. It might have started several years ago when his wife was pregnant with their daughter.
“Some say that people became interested in time because of their fear of death,” he explains, “so having children is one way of fighting mortality and becoming immortal because you endure in future generations.”
Masterson says his obsession with time, or the idea of time running out, might also have become increased because he is celebrating his 40th birthday this year.
It isn’t surprising, then, that Masterson’s new magic show is called “Conjuring Time.” With the help of some coins and cards, a gnome puppet, a time capsule and a member of the audience chained to a box, Masterson examines our concepts of the past, present and future, the notions of parallel times and coincidences and that old foe procrastination.
He also makes use of texts from Einstein, Shakespeare and others.
“Instead of having you pick a card and then finding that card,” he explains, “I draw the parallel between the smaller mystery of the magic trick and the greater mysteries of time. I use scientific facts and fictional fantasy and a lot of humor because it’s a magic show, which is meant to be entertaining even though it has a thought-provoking dimension.”
Masterson started performing magic tricks when he was 7 years old and finds it natural to combine prestidigitation with storytelling, especially after studying acting at Illinois State University. “I’ve always seen magic as having lots of theatrical possibilities,” he says.
To enhance the dramatic aspect of “Conjuring Time” Masterson has called on the expertise of director Daniel J. Rivkin. Because the show has a theme that runs throughout, Masterson says, “I needed someone to tell me if the transitions were working and what scenes needed to be punched up. “
The show is for those ages 13 and up.
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“Conjuring Time”
When: Friday-March 30
Where: Live Bait Theater, 3914 N. Clark St.
Price: $13.50; 773-769-4007
