[MR] Performace Magic in the middle ages

[Alex and Kier Kenlon]

Hi. I'm looking for information regarding performance magic during 
period. I've been picking up little slight-of-hand tricks here and there 
and love entertaining children (of all ages). The problem is that as far 
as I can see, it looks as if there is quite a bit of documentation for 
conjuring tricks pre-period and in the 18th century but little during 
period since it was *evil* and *witchcraft* and one could end up a 
little warmer than they'd like to be (*cough*burnedatthestake*cough*).

About the only thing I can find is a painting by Hieronymus Bosch (real 
name of Jeroen van Aken) who painted "The Conjurer" in the 1500's 
depicting someone performing what apears to be the "cup and Ball" trick 
to a crowd of amazed people.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Conjurer_(painting)

He looks rather like a street magician with the pack on his belt for his 
tools and even a nifty little wand looking thing on the table.

I was wondering if there is any documentable evidence of performance 
magic somewhere in period. I'd hate to think that *everyone* back then 
was so desperately cold that they were looking for any excuse to toss 
some poor soul on the barbie as fuel.

Lord Alsandair O'Caoindealbhain