Career
Born in Monkstown, County Dublin, Ireland, Rua developed his interest in magic at the age of 18. He had previously worked as a fire performer, and after a freak accident suffered secondand third-degree burns to his hands, face and chest. While he was in hospital, he was given a book on card tricks by a friend, through which he developed his interest in sleight of hand.
Rua holds a Bachelor Honours Degree in Communication Studies, and a Master"s degree in Film and Television Studies from Dublin City University.
Rua"s television career began in 2012 when he started filming his debut series DraĆocht for Irish national broadcaster TG4, with Midas Productions, the company that was originally behind Irish Hypnotist Keith Keith Barry"s debut television series in 2003. This 10-part series was the first Irish-language magic series to be broadcast in Ireland, and the first Irish television series that featured an escapologist.
Rua was the co-curator and researcher for Dublin"s Science Gallery 2013 Exhibition, "ILLUSION", alongside renowned author and professor, Richard Wiseman, who was the primary curator with Michael John Gorman. This exhibition explored the neuroscience of magic and illusion.
This exhibition is now in the early stages of planning a tour around the world.