$300
Australia [? ], ca. 1930. Three-color panel poster bearing a graphic Oriental mask advertising the Panamanian illusionist. 15 x 40". Light staining, margins closely trimmed; A-. Not to be confused with Spain's Li-Chang, this Panamanian illusionist had a career that spanned decades. Chang found his greatest successes in South and Central America, though he also appeared in America, Africa, Australia, Europe, and India. Born in 1889, he apprenticed to The Great Raymond as a young man, later striking out on his own with a large and colorful illusion show. To confuse the historical record, he performed as Li Ho Chang during his formative years, but eventually settled on the shorter stage name he is remembered by. For years, Chang played a game of theatrical leapfrog with Fu Manchu (David Bamberg). The two magicians worked the same routes and towns in opposition to each other across the South American continent. Chang died in Mexico in 1972, at the age of 82, and performed up until the end of his days.
Auctioneer:
Potter & Potter
Date:
2017-02-04
