Magic

The term has multiple uses, but three broad categories are of importance for this encyclopaedia.

A paranormal or ritual act or event

Primarily this refers to the notion of a paranormal event or activity, practiced through the occult powers of a magician.

However, a related - and perhaps more relevant - concept is perhaps ceremonial magic, a system of occult techniques for spiritual development in an individual and/or community, also used to promote and or social cohesion.

The practices found here in the latter area in some sense lie at the base of much of what is broadly termed "African performance".

The art of a stage magician or illusionist

An art form practiced by an entertainer who performs illusions by sleight of hand and other techniques, to create the illusion of impossible or supernatural feats; also known as a stage magic. In this sense it is viewed as a form of theatre and performance, and such magical acts and magicians are listed in ESAT as theatrical events or performers.

(Referred to as Kulkuns in Afrikaans)

Adjectival and metaphoric use

The use of the term "magic" to refer to awe-inspring, breathtaking, effects on stage and screen. A designer or dirtector thus may be said to have created "magical effects" in a stage play or film.