Lovable Luigi … the world-class magician wowed children and adults alike at Sunshine Library last week. 53873 Picture: DAMJAN JANEVSKI
By Natalie Gallenti
THE Sunshine Library was bursting with giggles and squeals last week as Luigi Zucchini wowed his young audience with unbelievable magic tricks.
On a journey from his Italian homeland, Luigi entertained youngsters and adults alike with his humour and spectacular trickery.
But under the top hat and green, white and red vest, Luigi is really Anthony DeMasi, a highly skilled performer who spends his days perfecting illusions, performing with animals and sometimes even pulling rabbits out of his hat.
The popular magician said he had been interested in the magic industry from an early age and as a child dreamed of running off to join the circus.
“I always liked making people laugh,” Mr DeMasi said.
“The surprised look on peoples’ faces, well it just gives me a lovely feeling.”
But he said being a successful magician was not child’s play.
“It takes perseverance, a lot of hard work and determination.
“Magic is a difficult skill to master. You may not get a trick straight away, but you just have to keep trying.”
That’s why every three years magicians from around the globe converge to share secrets and think of new ways to take audiences to fantasy-like heights.
Mr DeMasi encouraged youngsters to get involved in the old-fashioned art. He said with the aid of modern technology and a passion for entertaining, anyone had a shot at creating magic – and even making a person disappear every now and then.
