Writings

The Mystery School
by John Tudor

My favorite gathering, Mystery School is an experiential retreat, this is a report on the 1998 session.
(Reprinted from Linking Ring magazine, September 1998)

Mystery School, 1998 Session
La Casa De Maria, Santa Barbara, California

Mystery School tends to inspire many stories from those who attend. Finding the deep meaning inside of magical performance brings one to a very different place, often deep within oneself. This year's theme was Magical Storytelling--Tricks of Truth. Magical Transformation is a recurring theme of MS, and this year the gathering transformed itself. Mystery School had always been a "New York thing;" now we all assembled for the first West Coast MS at the luxurious retreat center La Casa De Maria in Santa Barbara. The place was beautiful: trees and sculptured gardens, winding paths through shaded walkways and full of statuary, fountains, and surprise vistas; good for conversation or solitary meditation. A pleasant way to spend the five days that are Mystery School. The food and hospitality were excellent too.

Despite moving across the country, the Mystery School retained all of the aspects that made it so unique. MS always attracts a very diverse group, (over seventy magi, from seven different countries) as well as many return attendees. Many deep friendships were formed at Mystery School. Small groups met each morning to discuss key ideas and share insights. Each attendee was challenged with the goal of understanding their own personal story, as magician or otherwise. Diversity of outlook and approach is honored above any style or belief.

All were encouraged to express themselves in the craft making area led by Paula Malatesta and drumming circles led by Abbi Spinner, as well as Tobias Beckwith with theatrical movement classes. These are three activities that you won't find at a regular magician's convention.

Then each day's magical work began. There were presentations by Jeff McBride (Manipulation and Mythology, an extremely practical session despite the title), Bob Fellows (Performing Mentalism and Magic), and Just Alan (winner of 97 SAM first place stage contest) spoke on Transcending Technique. Other sessions included Dr. Kevin Dunn's lecture on The Alchemy of Originality, and Margaret Steele led the Women' Mysteries. The Dean of MS, Eugene Burger led a mind opening session titled Beyond the Trickster, Robert Neale gave us a philosophical outlook titled Magic and the Life Cycle. This is a great lineup of presenters, and for those attending for the first time it is an ideal mix. For those who have attended for several years the similarity in the choice of speakers and performers is a slight drawback.

A very big feature of MS are two nights of Works in Progress which feature some of the most creative, original magic you'll see anywhere. The premise is simple: anyone who wishes can present a short act (close up or stage) before the assembled group, and be critiqued by the audience. I have seen this bring out some amazing self expression in the form of magic. Dan Harlan did an admirable job emceeing the Works in Progress and the Gala Show, performing excellent magic to speed things along.

What would a magic gathering be without the big finale show? The "big show" is also an MS tradition. This year featured Jeff McBride doing his card manipulation with live musical drumming accompaniment. The shaman incarnate! It was very exciting! Eugene Burger did a rare stand up set in his usual charming, distinctive style. Margaret Steele performed her exquisite act that features an enchanted woman enrapt with magic, who makes tons of silks flutter into existence. Bob Fellows did a very hot mentalism set. A standing ovation greeted the debut performance of "A Leak in the Universe", a short play by John Tudor and Kevin Dunn - see Linking Ring article "The Theater of Wonder". David Parr reprised his deadly mental routine with the theme of Renaissance Italy. The evening's performance concluded with the entire audience moving to another theater space to witness the work of Just Alan. Alan performs a powerful theater piece that recounts a Western traveler to India witnessing the Sands of Egypt.

After the show(s) the late night "Close Up Cafe" rocked on into the evening with impromptu performances, pitching of magical wares and enjoying nighttime munchies. A day after the Mystery School closed, a public show at The University of California at Santa Barbara followed to benefit the Society for Cultural Mythologies. This was a reprise of most of the acts from the Mystery School Gala show with the fine addition of Peter Samuelson, who, among other effects, managed to win over the audience to magic in general by giving the onstage spectator a bottle of champagne. A big standing ovation greeted Jeff's closing set, as did the company bow of all involved in the very smooth professional production.

And there was more, much, much more...Truly, the most interesting parts of Mystery School are those of which we do not speak. All of which must remain a mystery, until perhaps we meet you there, adding a chapter to your own magical story. And once upon a time they all lived happily ever after.