Setting the stage for competition, a bare black stage holds a red and green digital counting clock, and two chairs with identical trophies upon them. As each of the two magic champions seek to out-do the other, a playful battle for the ultimate title commences. Exploring the nuances between rivalry and camaraderie, Duel and Dual showcases the different yet complementary talents of both performers through illusionary magic, martial arts, and mime.
Close-up Magician, Tu Strange, and Stage Magician, Mu-Syuan Chang, take turns to impress the audience with their different skills and occasionally attempt to sabotage the other. Strange’s comedic and showman-like personality certainly allows him to engage up close with the audience, even including them directly in his tricks and inviting them to copy his movements to demonstrate their authenticity. He has no qualms exuberantly inviting people to join him onstage, including helping with a 52 card pick up, and often all but demanding a hug at the end of tricks without saying a word.
Chang is much quieter in demeanour yet no less talented, as he gracefully moves around the stage seemingly conjuring playing cards and coloured confetti from nothing. Accompanied by music, he almost dances as he displays incredible dexterity with various items which almost defy gravity.
Both dressed in black, the magicians almost seemed to blend into the background at times, allowing the magic of the moment to take precedence. While this wasn’t completely mimed, with a word or two uttered quietly to amusing effect, the lack of dialogue allowed all aspects of the visual spectacle to take centre stage. The alternating of acts between the performers gave the impression of gentlemen taking turns to attack rather than everything happening at once.
However, it would’ve been very exciting to have seen more of a fast-paced physical battle that utilised more of the martial arts, mime, and magic illusions together. The newfound friendliness at the end, while almost heartwarming, was a bit of an abrupt finish to the performance. There wasn’t much time allocated to working together, and there was certainly a missed opportunity of having them complimenting and helping one other’s acts in a friendly capacity rather than only as rivals.
The alternating red and blue lighting is cleverly employed in the opening few minutes of the show, highlighting the two very different competitors as dramatic foreshadowing to a serious showdown. To complement this, basic spotlighting and stage washes were utilised to great effect, as long as both performers were within in that light. The soundscape, alternating from dramatic instrumental to bursts of popular music, also felt appropriate given the contrasting personas of the performers and often allowed the music to speak for them.
Each magician commanded the small performing space in their own way, often making it feel bigger than it was – unless there was a call for audience participation; some of which could be difficult to see around the flat seating. There are also moments when it is unclear whether to applaud or to simply enjoy the spectacle in silence, particularly if you have never been to a magic show before.
Marketed as riveting tale of rivalry between champions, it operates more as a magic show in alternating styles that is loosely linked with friendly competition. A rigorously rehearsed show that encourages flexibility in audience involvement, this is a great night out for families looking for something different that’s away from the busyness of the popular Fringe gardens.
To book tickets to Duel & Dual, please visit https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/duel-dual-af2025
This review also appears on It’s On The House. Check out more reviews at Whats The Show to see what else is on in your town.
