British Magic Society Rejects Robot Magician's Membership Application

The Magic Circle, a London-based society of magicians, rejected an application from a robot named D4RYL last week. The organization stated that its membership rules require a human performer at the center of any act. Its president said technology can enhance performances but does not replace the emotional element of wonder.

A member of the society who performs with digital devices encountered the robot at a trade show in Hong Kong in October. He described the initial meeting as unsettling before the robot extended a hand, an action he later called magical. The same member markets his own stage show as incorporating tablets and phones and has used those tools in performances for several years.

The society has not indicated whether it will reconsider similar applications in the future.