I thought a few of you might be interested in the history behind some of the effects in my show. I’m a big believer in giving credit where credit is due. I hope learning a little about some of these effects will enhance your understanding and enjoyment of each of them. 

Hieronymus Bosch, "The Conjurer" from around 1475

The Cups and Balls is probably the oldest magic effect in existence rumored to date back to the ancient Egyptians. The effect was performed by Roman magicians in the halls of Caesars over 2,000 years ago. The effect was passed on throughout history from magician to magician. The effect involves (as the name says) some cups and some balls and sometimes a wand. The balls disappear and reappear under the cups with the wave of the wand. Thoughout the years, the effect developed into a bit of swindle. While the magician was performing the effect, an accomplice in the audience would use the opportunity to lift a money purse from some distracted, unsuspecting spectator. The Renaissance painting by Bosch from the mid 1470′s on the left called “The Conjurer” depicts this event. The “Conjurer” is performing his effect while his accomplice (the man on the far left) is stealing a unwittting spectator’s purse. This became mode of operation for many years and is even imitated on the streets of some major cities still today. Be careful!

Today, however, the Cups and Balls have become a rite of passage for many magicians. Almost all of  the basics of illusion are found in the Cups and Balls.  Disappearance, reappearance, transformation, and penetration can all be found in this presentation. All the basics of sleight of hand are found in there, too. To put it plainly, the Cups and Balls are fundamental to all magic and illusion. No wonder Harry Houdini said, “I consider no man to be a magician until he can adequately perform the Cups and Balls.”

Michael Ammar and Ken Hartley, 2005

In the modern day era many magicians have made some incredible contributions to the Cups and Balls.  Magicians like Johnny Palmer, Tommy Wonder, David Williamson, and Paul Gertner have all brought their own skill and twists to this effect.  Among the greatest, however, was a man named Dai Vernon also known as “The Professor.”  Many of his sleights and presentation in the Cups and Balls are still used today. Dai Vernon mentored a magician named Michael Ammar. Michael is now widely considered to be one of magic’s greatest teachers and the authority on the Cups and Balls having written the definitive work on the subject. Michael said, “The Cups and Balls are to the Magician as scales are to the Musician.” I agree with this statement.  I was privileged to spend time with Michael and learn the Cups and Balls from him.

Ken performing the Cups and Balls 2009 Show

My personal presentation combines elements of many magicians including several twists of my own. The thing I love about this presentation is its liquidity. What I mean by that is it is constantly changing. So if you’ve seen me do this effect a year ago, there will be some changes to it. If you see me do it a year from now, the same thing will be true. It took me a little more than two years to develop and learn the Cups and Balls, but the time I invested in this effect has been well worth it.  My presentation is a tribute to my father, a classically trained musician and university professor, who taught me the importance of hard work, perseverence, education, and family time.