St Anne’s Ryde recently held its second ever Rock and Magic show, aiming to raise awareness about asylum seeker issues and create links between people, churches, and asylum seekers
The night’s magician, who goes by the stage name Ariento, is an Iranian asylum seeker who has lived in Australia for 3 years, with connections at St Anne’s for much of that time. After working as a professional magician overseas before arriving here, including for large corporate functions and public events, more recently he has concentrated just on getting back into his art, working towards paid gigs.
“When I left Iran, I did many shows in other countries, when I was in the UAE and in Malaysia, but I did not do shows when I first came to Australia,” he says. “The first time I did a show here, I did not have a work visa. I just wanted to make people happy and help them, that’s all. I’ve also done shows at a hospital, and some clubs as well, and have been doing more paid work as well. But for me, it’s not just about taking money, but also to enjoy the art again. At this kind of event [Rock and Magic] I can also help other people understand as well.”
Ariento’s magic is largely based on illusions, ranging from close up tricks to more extravagant stage magical pieces. The fun feel on the night was helped along by a range of audience participants, both young and old. Ariento is continuing to find more work doing shows, including a performance at a Persian community group function set for the end of the year.
The senior minister at St Anne’s, the Rev Greg Burke, also participated in the evening, singing and playing with his band, Old Play. The band added some classic musical entertainment to Ariento’s illusions, but Mr Burke says the centrepiece of the night was the presentation by Anglicare’s Amelia Savage on their work with asylum seekers.
“The main thing was to inform people about the current situation for refugees and asylum seekers, as well as to think about the Syrian situation,” he says. “It was an information night, we didn’t charge for it, but we encouraged people to donate to Anglicare if able, particularly as they support asylum seekers going through legal and review processes. And, of course, we want people to have fun and to have fun together.”
Mr Burke says other churches have been working with asylum seekers as well through a variety of ministries, and he is hopes to see ministry to asylum seekers in Australia continue to grow, particularly as the country prepares to welcome in the near future a number of extra Syrian refugees from UNHCR camps.
“Well, we’re keen to help other churches to get involved, if they’re willing,” he says. “A lot of the guys who were with us as asylum seekers at the beginning have moved on to other places, mostly because Ryde is just too expensive to live in for them, and we refer them to other Anglican churches, particularly places that do ESL or have Farsi speaking ministries. We’re always keen to develop those kinds of links with people, and we want others to feel this is something they can get involved in..”
As for Rock and Magic itself, can we expect a third iteration?
“Well, our band needs gigs, we need incentive to learn new songs, and of course Ariento is always getting hold of new illusion gear and trying to add more to his act, so there’s always scope for more shows,” says Mr Burke.
Photo: Ariento in action (Cole Bennetts Photography)
