School of Chemistry and Physics Magic Show Wows Audience!

BY: .

UKZN’s Three Magicians Show puts sparkle into learning and helps the less informed see the light!

The magic trio comprises School of Chemistry and Physics (SCP) academics: Professor Vincent Nyamori, Dr Bernard Owaga and Professor Bice Martincigh.

In a tradition started in the early 1980s by Professor Mike Laing, the KwaZulu-Natal section of the South African Chemical Institute (SACI) puts on a magic show for UKZN students, staff and the public towards the end of every year.

In the early days it featured women being magically “cut in half”, a rabbit popping out of a box and all kinds of other extraordinary things.

In the contemporary version, the chemicals, equipment as well as the technical support are provided by the UKZN School of Chemistry and Physics. The aim of the magic show is to entertain - and inform - learners and the general public using the marvels of Chemistry and Science.  

The event is co-ordinated by the KwaZulu-Natal Section of SACI with the assistance of the technical staff of the SCP and postgraduate students from WestChem, the School’s postgraduate student’s society.  UKZN and SACI-KZN sponsor the prizes and refreshments.

In the most recent show, the Three Magicians performed a number of “mind-blowing” experiments including turning wine into milk and beer and ended the show with fireworks and smoke that dazzled the audience.

Magician Mr Peter Warby, who also performed at the event, said: ‘In my show you are not allowed to blink because in the moment you do, you miss the magic.’ He impressed the audience with several magic acts and was ably assisted by children from the audience.

The show ended with the making of “magical” ice cream by WestChem students.

Martincigh said: ‘We were particularly pleased with the enthusiasm of the audience.  It made the show particularly worthwhile. The Magic Show has been performed at the University for over 35 years entertaining young and old.  We hope to continue “dazzling” the audience with the magic of science for many years to come!’

Professor Vincent Nyamori said: ‘This event, which is always free, is full of wonders and rich with amusement.  The smiles and laughter tell it all.’

Owaga said: ‘It’s wonderful to perform in front of parents and their kids. Every child in the audience wanted to be part of the show – it was amazing.’

A member of the audience, Mrs Neervana Rambaran, said: ‘The magic show was a delightful event. Both my children were enthralled and loved the sweets and gifts.  A big thank you to the School of Chemistry and Physics for an exciting and educational show.’

Leena Rajpal