Lebanese magician wows Iraqi crowds

Record ID: 162663

  • Title: Lebanese magician wows Iraqi crowds
  • Date: 29th December 2016
  • Summary: (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) SPECTATOR, AHMED SAMI, SAYING: ''The Iraqi people have been passing through hard circumstances and a period full of wars. Some areas of our country were seized by Daesh (Islamic State), so they (the Iraqi people) are in need of such initiatives, activities and shows that entertain them.''
  • Embargoed: 13th January 2017 13:28
  • Keywords: Iraq New Year magician Gino Basra
  • Location: BASRA, IRAQ
  • City: BASRA, IRAQ
  • Country: Iraq
  • Topics: Arts/Culture/Entertainment
  • Reuters ID: LVA0055EXRUJ9
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: Crowds thronged to an Iraqi shopping mall, not to hit the shops, but to watch a magic show.
    Lebanese magician, known as Gino Lord of Magic, entertained hundreds of spectators at a Basra shopping centre with his tricks and illusions.
    The award-winning magician is known in the region for his appearance on MTV Lebanon.
    The show is part of events planned in the city in the run up to the New Year, with Gino performing two shows in Basra to packed audiences.
    The magician was assisted on stage by his wife, with members of the audience also encouraged to take part in his interactive display.
    Speaking on the sidelines of the show, Gino said he felt at home in the country.
    For many Iraqis the magical spectacle provided a welcome relief to the hardship that their fellow countrymen are going through.
    ''The Iraqi people have been passing through hard circumstances and a period full of wars. Some areas of our country were seized by Daesh (Islamic State), so they (the Iraqi people) are in need of such initiatives, activities and shows that entertain them,'' said spectator Ahmed Sami.
    Others praised the free event.
    ''The show was very interesting, and of the same standard as an international show. It was free and we were pleased with it. We are looking forward to seeing more shows and other cultural activities which make citizens of Basra happy,'' said spectator Murtada Yahya.
    Among the tricks performed were illusions of floating tables as well as escapology stunts.
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