A night of magic and illusion is in store in a one-night-only event at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts this Friday, March 6. Houdini Speaks To The Living features a lively and atmospheric debate on the true nature of science, what is real, what is not, and what lies in the afterlife. Conducted by The Great Houdini and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the event takes us back to the early 1920’s during the height of Spiritualism and features a war of words from both believers and non-believers.
Part historical drama and gripping magic show, the experience of a séance will be performed as well as a showdown between the famous illusionist who debunked these activities, and the writer who championed the practice.
Director and Co-Writer Beth Burns is an NEA-award winning playwright who creates innovative, research-driven work that bridges historical practice with contemporary performance. Theatregoers will be able to examine their own beliefs in the afterlife and consider the legitimacy of psychics and those who claim they communicate with the dead.
What has been called “thrilling, haunting and masterful,” Houdini Speaks to the Living arrives in time to honor the 100th year anniversary of Houdini’s passing.
For tickets: Houdini Speaks to the Living
7 p.m. Friday, March 6, 2026
New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center Center
Bruno Walter Auditorium (111 Amsterdam Avenue (between 64th & 65th Street)
Photos courtesy: Houdini Speaks to the Living
