|
When she was born in 1992, the traditionally
male-dominated world of magic had only just started allowing
women to join the Magic Circle magicians' society.
Now at 30, Swann is not only the youngest and first female
president of the society, but she's using her position and magic
to raise awareness about climate change and the environment.
Swann studied wildlife conservation at university, growing
increasingly despondent at the huge issues facing the natural
world, and the lack of action.
"One of the key things I realised from my degree was how
important environmental education is. We have so many of the
solutions to solve these problems, but we don't use them."
So Swann began creating tricks with an environmental message to
perform at schools.
"I use magic as a communications tool. It's a way to capture
attention and share a message in a fun way," she said.
Swann, who got her first magic set at five years old, said one
of her favourite tricks involves three ropes representing
plants, animals and insects. They start at equal length to show
nature in balance.
"As I talk about the issues the world faces, mainly caused by us
humans, they become different sizes... I then talk about what we
can do to help restore the ropes back to their original, equal
length."
Swann said although the world of magic is still male dominated
and will remain so for some time, things are changing.
"I definitely feel it has become more welcoming... We (women)
are valued members of the Magic Circle."
(Reporting by Natalie Thomas,; Editing by Alexandra Hudson)
[© 2022 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.]
This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content.
|
|
