The Indianapolis times., 1926-11-16
By Nicola. Magician, Appearing at


Keith's.
Comedy and tragedy are common
playmates in China What we Oc-
cjdentals would regard az a hilarious
incident merely gets a, canny, subtle
smirk in the Orient. Atrocities to
us, the perfunctory beheading of
few careless Celestials is just a daily
foI1nality that brings a yawn in some
parts of China.
Do not gather the impression that
the Chinese are entirely bereft of
any enthusiasm, but they manifest
their emotions in their own peculiar
way. 1 am going to give you two
rather graphic illustrations, one of
comedy and another of tragedy.
had mastered no less than eight
foreign languages when I invaded
China The Chinese had heard of
my mystic proclivities and rendered
me a royal welcome, but I was non
plussed and placed at a decidedly
embarrassing disadvantage because
was struck when it came to the
Chinese language. SO, after my
premiere performance had been set
and all China promised to flock to
Hong-Kong as my auditors, I en-
gagged the best interpreter obtain
able.
This interpreter had a keen sense
of humor, which I was soon to find
out, much to my discontinue for
the nonce- but later, 1t fortunately
developed, greatly to the enterprise
Of my conquering Of China and all
of its submerged magic.
My initial performance was well
under way, the biggest htppodrome
in Hong Kong jammed to the rails
with first t-nighters, including mem
bers Of the royal family and officials
from all parts Of the empire. The
audience responded sharply and sat
isfactoriIy, 1 thought, but I could
not understand why the outbursts of
native laughter and purring Of Ce-
lestial tongues, which followed each
and every trick.
Even though I could not under
stand a word that was being spoken
| throughout the audience, and de-
spite the fact that felt confident
that my efforts were getting over,
still was certain that I was being
laughed at
Before each trick my able and too
ambitious interpreter was supposed
to explain to the audience what 1t
was all about.
And he surely earned his money,
and some of theirs.
For he not only told them what
I was about to do, but how was
going to do it.
In other words, he betrayed my
magic and might as well have de-
livered an autographed blueprint of
my most intricate tricks to each
member Of the audience that first
night.
Well, before the performance was
half over a friend Of mine, who un-
derstood the Chinese language, ex-
planned It all to me. When ap-
preached, or rather, reproached my
chief assistant. he laughed and told
me it was a goood joke.
He didn't explain. however. who
the joke was to be chalked up to
He didn't have time.
Some Panic
Suddenly the theater was thrown
into a panic and roars and rumblings
came from the outside of the place
of amusement. 1t looked to me like
a good old-fashioned riot and free
for-all.
The manager of the theater came
upon the stage and explained. l was
later informed, that there had been
little misunderstanding among the
Coolies of the city and environs and
that said Coolies were storming the
theater for admission, which was
denied them, and which cost nine of
their number as many heads the fol
lowing morning.
1t happened to be only a misun-
derstanding. bus, the magistrate evi-
IDENTIFY is averse TO these little things
and decided that cutting of few