Black magic, also known as dark magic or black witchcraft, is a practice that involves the use of supernatural powers often associated with evil or malicious intent. It is believed to have its origins in ancient civilizations and has been a subject of fascination and fear throughout history. In Mexico, black magic is deeply rooted in the country's indigenous traditions and religious beliefs. It is often intertwined with folkloric practices and rituals, blending ancient beliefs with modern elements. Mexican black magic is known for its diverse range of techniques and spells, which vary depending on the region and the specific cultural influences. One aspect of black magic in Mexico is the use of spells and incantations to bring harm to others.
One aspect of black magic in Mexico is the use of spells and incantations to bring harm to others. These spells can be cast for various purposes, such as revenge, love manipulation, or causing illness. The belief in the power of words and rituals to influence the world around them is deeply ingrained in Mexican black magic practices.
‘Wicked’ Welcomes a Pioneering Good Witch, Brittney Johnson
She recently became the first Black actor to assume the role of Glinda full-time.
Associated Press
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Brittney Johnson as "Glinda" and Lindsay Pearce as "Elphaba" in "Wicked" on Broadway at The Gershwin Theater on Feb. 14, 2022 in New York City. Bruce Glikas/GI
While many people spent Valentine’s Day with the traditional flowers and chocolates, Brittney Johnson was making theater history. The young Broadway veteran was gently lowered onto the Gershwin Theatre stage to become the first Black actor to assume the role of Glinda full-time in Wicked, shattering a racial barrier on the day of love.
“One of the most rewarding parts of this is that it’s not just for me. I think it’s the least amount about me,” she says. “It’s about what it means for other people, for people that are going to see me do it or for people that just know that I’m here.”
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03/01/2022Johnson is part of a sisterhood of women who have recently broken boundaries on American stages, including Emilie Kouatchou, who became the first Black woman to play Christine in The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway, and Morgan Bullock who has become Riverdance’s first Black female dancer.
“I do see things shifting, and I am very optimistic about the future,” Johnson says. “Because specific conversations are starting to happen now, people’s eyes are being opened in ways that they never had been before, either because they never needed to be, or because they just didn’t know what they didn’t know.”
Wicked, based on Gregory Maguire’s cult novel, tells the story of two young witches-to-be, one a green brooder who will be the Wicked Witch of the West and the other blond and bubbly, who will be Glinda the Good Witch. Johnson has ended a 19-year run of white actors playing Glinda in any professional “Wicked” company, a milestone made even more powerful since Glinda is the very essence of goodliness.
“I think it’s something that, especially for little Black kids that come and feel the energy that’s being given to Glinda — somebody that looks like them — it might not be something that they experience from the world in their real life,” she says. “Seeing someone that looks like you being loved is so important to see.”
On the night the role was finally hers, Johnson’s life flashed in front of her — literally. As is the show’s delightful custom, the previous actor playing Glinda arranged for a note of encouragement and love — usually packed with photos of the new star — to be pinned to the inside curtain on her first night. Each new Glinda sees it as she makes her entrance.
“It was the first time that it was me. Usually I’m seeing other people’s pictures and encouraging words, and it was the first time that note was left for me,” she says. “It’s really moving to have it be for you.” Lindsay Pearce, her co-star as Elphaba, says Johnson is someone “obviously born for this” and says she’s never seen anyone work harder. She describes Johnson as gracious, fun and goofy.
Pearce was backstage watching on a monitor when Johnson on Valentine’s Day began singing the musical’s hit “Popular” when she spotted a little Black girl in the front row with her family, clapping her hands in glee.
“That’s why it’s important because theater belongs to everyone. It’s not something that only belongs to someone who looks a certain way, sounds a certain way,” she says. “Theater’s supposed to be the mirror of what the world looks like, and that’s what the world looks like.”
Johnson’s other Broadway credits include Les Misérables, Motown the Musical, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical and opposite Glenn Close in Sunset Boulevard and as a guest in Kristin Chenoweth’s Broadway concert show, teaming up with the original Glinda. She has been connected to Wicked since 2018, moving up from ensemble to Glinda understudy, to Glinda standby. She was onstage as Glinda when the pandemic shut down theater in 2020, but only temporarily.
Johnson saw out her contract and had moved to Los Angeles during the lull to pursue TV and film projects when “Wicked” lured her back to Oz with the promise of Glinda full time. “It did feel like unfinished business,” she says. “I definitely felt like I had more to do in this show in particular. So getting that call really felt like the answer to internally what I thought I needed.”
Johnson grew up in Maryland close to Washington. Her mom said she was singing before she was talking. “She said that I was a drama queen from when I was a child,” Johnson says, then laughing adds: “I don’t agree.”
She was bitten by the musical theater bug in high school. Performances in Les Misérables in 10th grade and Sunday in the Park with George in her senior year convinced her that musical theater was what she wanted to do. “I was raised to believe and to know that I could do anything,” she says. “I am not a stranger to being the first of anything or the only Black person in a room or in a situation.”
What about being the first Black Glinda? Was it on her horizon? “It wasn’t out of my realm of possibilities for me that I could be if the world allowed it,” she answers. “But after five, 10 years of not seeing any movement in that direction, I think you do start to put aside that specific dream.”
Stepping out on Valentine’s Day was a full-circle moment since Johnson had seen Wicked at age 15 with her mom, catching it at the Kennedy Center on tour: “I just really enjoyed it. I just loved the story. I loved the music.” Now, the role of Glinda is hers and she can’t wait to make it her own, giving the good witch her own spin. She says there’s lots of flexibility in Wicked for actors to add their personality.
“They really encourage us in the rehearsal process to kind of play and find how the character fits on you. It’s not a stencil that you have to fit into,” she says. “There are things that I do discover every day about her or about about the role. There are things you can only really find when you have the opportunity to do it more than once.”
She recently became the first Black actor to assume the role of Glinda full-time.
Another characteristic of black magic in Mexico is the use of talismans and amulets, which are believed to possess protective or detrimental properties. These objects are often adorned with symbols and sigils, representing different spirits or deities, and are used to channel and manipulate supernatural forces. Curses and hexes are also commonly associated with black magic in Mexico. These dark spells are believed to cause misfortune, illness, or even death to the target. They are often performed by experienced practitioners who have extensive knowledge of the occult and the rituals involved. Although black magic is often associated with negative intentions and harmful practices, there is also a positive side to it. Some practitioners use black magic for self-defense or protection against evil spirits and negative energies. They believe that harnessing supernatural powers can help them overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. In conclusion, black magic in Mexico is a complex and multifaceted practice that is deeply ingrained in the country's culture and history. It encompasses a wide range of techniques, beliefs, and rituals, often blended with indigenous traditions and folkloric practices. Whether used for good or ill, black magic continues to be a source of fascination and fear for many people..
Reviews for "From Aztec Sacrifices to Modern Curses: Tracing the Evolution of Black Magic in Mexico"
1. Emily - 2 stars
I was really disappointed with "Blzck mxgic mexicxn". The story was weak and the characters were underdeveloped. It felt like the filmmakers were trying too hard to be edgy and different, but it just came across as forced and lacking authenticity. The dialogue was also quite cliché and the acting was subpar. Overall, I found the movie to be a letdown and I wouldn't recommend it.
2. Jack - 3 stars
"Blzck mxgic mexicxn" had an interesting concept and some visually stunning scenes, but ultimately, it fell short for me. The pacing was off, with some scenes dragging on for too long while others felt rushed. The plot was also confusing at times, making it hard to fully grasp what was happening. Additionally, I didn't connect with the characters as much as I would have liked. While the movie had its moments, it didn't live up to my expectations.
3. Sarah - 2.5 stars
I had high hopes for "Blzck mxgic mexicxn" but unfortunately, it didn't live up to the hype. The story felt convoluted and disjointed, making it difficult to follow along. The performances were decent, but the script didn't give the actors much to work with. I also found some of the visuals to be overly stylized, which distracted from the overall narrative. Overall, I was left feeling underwhelmed by this film.