Louis Yan has that magic touch
IAN STALKER
Now you see Louis Yan in Toronto, now you don’t.
The Hong Kong magician — who has received many accolades — was among the featured entertainment during a Jan. 19 Hong Kong Tourism Board Toronto event marking the Chinese New Year, his latest collaboration with those with a stake in Hong Kong tourism to promote the destination to the world’s travellers.
Yan flew in to Toronto for the event — courtesy of the Hong Kong Economic Office, which had him appearing in different North American cities to celebrate the Lunar New Year — and dazzled tourism industry personnel with such tricks as pouring white wine, then red wine and subsequently orange juice in quick succession from the same teapot, and placing a Rubik’s Cube which had its colours jumbled in a paper bag, inviting an onlooker to briefly shake the bag, and then removing the item, which was then uniformly coloured on each side.
Yan creates his tricks, with even his agent left in the dark as to how he does them.
Tourism authorities say Yan’s sleight of hand underscores Hong Kong’s diversity of brand.
“Hong Kong is not just one type of entertainment. It’s diversified,” says Lisa Lau, a Hong Kong native who now oversees Toronto-based Okushu Tours.
Hong Kong isn’t the first destination that likely comes to mind when people think of magic but Yan — who has performed in several continents — says it actually has many talented magicians and tourists can see magic shows.
The 40-year-old Yan — who among other things has earned two Guinness Book of World Records during his career — has worked with the tourism board for around a decade, touting its varied entertainment scene to global audiences, and is appreciated.
“He believes that magic can bring happiness and surprises to everyone and wants to bring magic to the four corners of the world. He’s happy to showcase Hong Kong magic to the world,” says Michael Lim, who heads the tourism board’s Canadian office.
Meanwhile, Lim promises that those who visit his destination won’t struggle to find entertaining performers.
“We have a lot in Hong Kong, including very talented magicians,” he confidently states.
