* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* Magic New Zealand®
* Proudly sponsored by International Entertainment
* www.magicnewzealand.com
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Issue Number: #1025
Date: Sunday 2nd June 2013
Editor: Alan Watson
www.watson.co.nz
E-mail: editor@magicnewzealand.com
================================
Hi here is the latest news
================================
1.
Editor's Message
2. New Zealand Release Date for Movie - Now You See Me
3. Inspiration, Imitation and Infringement
4. June 2013 Issue Of The Linking Ring Magazine
5. Remarkable Magic #303 - Nick Lewin
6. April Fools Ben Robinson News
7. Magic - Art, Craft or Neither - Part 13
8. 2013 June Magic Castle Schedule
9. Magic At The Beach 2014 Registration Open
10. Broken Wand - Leland Van Deventer
11. Performers And Lectures Announced For PCAM 2013
12. Inside The Mind Of A Man Who Can Predict The Lottery
13. 21 "Live" Magic Dealers Will Be In DC.
14. Six White Java Doves For Sale
15. Memorable Magical Moments
16. Magic New Zealand App
17. e-zine Archives
18. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice
--------------------------------------------
1. Editor's Message
--------------------------------------------
The highlight for this week for Michele and I was to attend
the joint Kevin James and Jeff Hobson lecture here in Auckland
New Zealand. Magicians flew in from all over New Zealand
to see the Illusionists Show and also used the opportunity
to also attend the joint lectures with around 100 hundred
other magicians.
----------------------
For those who would like to read Magic New Zealand in a
HTML format go to:
http://www.magicnewzealand.com/ezine-archive/2013-Jan-to-Dec-2013/1025-May31-2013.html
Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line:
Editor@MagicNewZealand.com
--------------------------------------------
2. New Zealand Release Date for Movie - Now You See Me
--------------------------------------------
Movie - Now You See Me
Director
Louis Leterrier
Main
cast
Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Michael Caine
Synopsis
FBI agents track a team of illusionists who pull off bank
heists during their performances and reward their audiences
with the money.
Genre:
Thriller
Running
Time:
45 minutes
New
Zealand Release Date:
29 August 2013
--------------------------------------------
3. Inspiration, Imitation And Infringement
--------------------------------------------
Message by George Schindler (US)
Inspiration,
Imitation and Infringement is the title of the special panel
set for 4 pm. July 4 at the Society of American Magicians
annual convention in Washington, This is an extra "added"
feature moderated by Genii columnist Sara Crasson with panelists
Bob Sheets and Dirk Losander. The discussion will cover
valuable aspects of copying, ethics and the law in the magic
community.
See
the full convention schedule at www.magicsam.com
--------------------------------------------
4. June 2013 Issue Of The Linking Ring Magazine
---------------------------------------------
Message by Paul A. Lelekis
June
2013 issue of The Linking Ring magazine, Vol. 93, No. 6:
Editor:
Samuel Patrick Smith
Reviewed by Paul A. Lelekis
The
Linking Ring has the largest circulation of any magician's
magazine. Members can access TLR at www.magician.org.
Rich
Bloch is featured on the cover of this month's TLR and,
included, is an inside story about his remarkable life in
magic, written by Don Greenberg. In addition we learn about
Rich's "labor of love", his intimate 50-seat stage,
The Dickens Parlour Theatre, (named after Charles Dickens)
in Millville, Delaware - complete with snacks and drinks!
Mr. Bloch also addresses the "5 Great Magic Myths"!
This
thesis provides some excellent advice for the performing
magician!
The Hocus Pocus Parade features Rich Bloch and an even dozen
effects that can be performed for Parlor/Cabaret type of
magic as well as close-up! The effects included are very
creative and provide magicians, excellent material that
you will add to your repertoire!
Magical
history buffs will be elated to learn about the Washington
Symposium on Magic History! Dean Alan Carnegie reports on
his first three-day conference of magic history!
An
article called, In Memoriam: Past International President,
Bob Escher tells readers about the impact Mr. Escher had
on magic and magicians and his wonderful generosity!
Adele
Friel Rhindress (former assistant to The Great Blackstone)
launches a new series of articles, Magical Moments, beginning
with Terry Evanswood.
My
Father Deyip Loo is an article from the eyes of his daughter.
Deyip Loo was an assistant to Blackstone and Dante and the
star of his own family magi show!
From
The Editor, this monthly article, by our own Linking Ring
editor, Sammy Smith, sheds new light on the comparisons
between the youth and those more mature performers, neurophysiologically
- if there is such a word!
Cutting
Up Jackpots by Bev Bergeron presents readers with a wonderful
show that he created in the late 1960's, Hansel and Gretel,
the Magic Show at Hollywood's Princess Theater Workshop
with photos of the actual stage props! This article is fascinating!
The
Kid-Show Circuit by Marty Hahne discusses Magic essentials,
which a comprehensive list of items that will make your
shows more organized and more enjoyable for your audience
members. Mr. Hahne provides some great advice in this article!
Polishing
The Rings by Skip Way continues the theme of organization
with some great ideas and instructions for teaching children
magic and how to be frugal with the expenditures of creating
magic and shows!
The
Magic Section!
For
those of you who love to learn new magic will be thrilled
with the wonderful contributions of magic, fully explained,
in the following columns below:
The
London Eyes by Peter Scarlett presents The Magic Circle
Stage Magician of the year, John Van de Put with his Piff
the Magic Dragon persona! Peter Scarlett also provides a
wonderful rendition of Copper/Silver/Brass - a classic of
magic!
Mike
Power's Card Corner - This month features a well-known name
in magic, Ian Baxter! Ian's Stabbed in the Dark, is a very
clever rendition of the classic Card Stab that is very easy
to do!
Ways
And Means by Joe M. Turner presents Carpal Tunnel by Scott
Robinson. This is an effect in which a coin is placed into
your hand and then "plucked" from the back of
your closed fist - three times under increasingly impossible
conditions!
Peter Marucci's Showtime provides a very clever effect,
As the Worm Turns, utilizing a Chick Pan and some silks!
You're going to love this one!
Storytelling
Magic by Ed Solomon - Ed recites to readers, another magical
and colorful adventure of his alter-ego, DeNomolos that
I'll call Skull! This is a clever card discovery with the
use of a mini-skeleton!
Hocus
in Focus has a team of experts who review many new items
of magic so that the magicians of the world may purchase
wisely!
The
Broken Wand pays a monthly tribute to our fellow performers
who have passed and celebrates their lives rather than morns
their passing.
There
are too many items and too much magic in this issue of The
Linking Ring for me to list, but everyone is world class!
I.B.M.
members can access each issue on the I.B.M. Web Portal either
by downloading the PDF or by reading the digital version.
Advertisers
-- your products will enjoy unsurpassed worldwide promotion
in The Linking Ring through the beautiful printed magazine,
the dazzling digital edition, and links from the I.B.M.
Web Portal.
For
details about advertising in The Linking Ring, contact BJ
Hickman at advertising@magician.org.
-------------------------------------------
5. Remarkable Magic #303 - Nick Lewin
--------------------------------------------
Message by Nick Lewin (US)
Costume
or Clothing.
What
they are wearing is the first thing that an audience notice
about a performer, and it is widely stated that 80% of someone's
opinion of you is formulated in the first 30 seconds. Yikes,
that makes what you are wearing very, very important. One
of the easy decisions a performer can make is 'costume or
clothing'.
Costume.
noun |?käs?t(y)o?om, -t?m|
o A set of clothes worn by an actor or other performer for
a particular role or by someone attending a masquerade:
a nun's costume.
I
think the key thing to take away from this definition is
the words '
for a particular role'. Obviously, this
is a huge part in defining what role you want to play for
an audience. It needs to be very carefully decided what
impact you are looking for when the audience first observes
you onstage. It should be above all appropriate for the
show you are presenting.
The
classic and iconic image that has defined a magician for
decades is the immaculate; tail suit, top hat, cane and
cape. This is the standard (somewhat obsolete) clothing
that has lodged in the public's mind and it now functions
as a costume. This outfit certainly works better for a manipulative
act than a comedy magician, unless he is presenting a pastiche
of a magic show.
That
classic 'Cardini look' is a tough one to carry off unless
you are a Lance Burton or Jason Andrews, so make sure that
if you are going for this look that it really suits you.
If you go for a classic look, it obviously works best for
a classic act, an elementary point, but one that is sometimes
forgotten by performers. Much of what I have just said is
also true for a tuxedo--- you don't want people to think
you are the head-waiter.
The
other costume that has become popular for manipulative act
is a satin/spandex look with the long duster jacket. I've
seen a lot of performing outfits that look like prom night
in Middle Earth! I've also seen a bunch of performers who
wear costumes that could conceal a large dog inside their
jackets--- don't be surprised if the impact of producing
a dove is a little more muted than if you are wearing a
tightly fitting tailcoat. Audiences are pretty smart and
subconsciously realize if a costume is specifically designed
for the loads it conceals.
One
very basic 'old school' rule is that a costume should only
be seen onstage. If you are mixing with the audience before
or after the show then you need a nice outfit that can mingle
with the 'civilians' in an easy manner. Of essence, a costume
is intended to be worn while onstage while playing your
chosen role, otherwise they probably just look kinda' cheesy
offstage
Clothing
on the other hand is worn by everyone, and defines your
personality rather than a role you are creating. The old
rule of thumb is to wear whatever style of clothing your
audience is wearing ---but a better version of it. You shouldn't
ever skimp on your wardrobe. All the 'old pros' were emphatic
about not wearing their 'Show Suit' off-stage. They would
also never sit down in their outfit-in order not to get
bags in the knees of the pants or wrinkles in the jacket!
A
great deal of thought needs to go into the color of the
suit/ jacket you are wearing. If you are using small light
colored props they will be lost against a white jacket,
and the same with dark props and a black jacket. You can,
however, ensure better visibility if you wear a contrasting
shirt and position props accordingly. If you don't know
what color your performance backdrop is then it can be nice
to have a choice of suits to ensure that you stand out.
One of my golden rules is 'If they can't see you--- they
won't like you.
I'm
just going to say two words about shoes:
Polished.
Unscuffed.
I
am just about to release some really great new items through
the online store on my website www.nicklewin.com --- so
check them out! Having spent many, many years looking for
the perfect microphone holder to wear, I am delighted to
say that we are releasing the perfect one. Even if you use
a headset you will want one of these totally adjustable
holders in your back pocket to use with any microphone should
you need a backup!
--------------------------------------------
6. April Fools Ben Robinson News
--------------------------------------------
Message by Ben Robinson (US)
I
then went on to plug my appearances at The Suffolk Theater
in Riverhead NY, blatantly stating that even though I said
I was retiring, I was doing two 90-minute shows!
Anyway,
I've since been contacted by friends who wished me well
on my retirement
apparently my deception has been taken
seriously!
The
confusion is only due to me attempting subtlety in print
that did not catch.
As
well, the headline did NOT appear with the "news".
So,
to set the record straight, in fact I have NOT retired,
and in fact I am now on tour with a large show including
a staff of four and between June and January we'll do at
least 12 dates across North America in venues between 500
and 1,000 seats. We sold 900 of 1,000 seats at our last
show, and made the theatre a hefty profit, so our finances
are in good shape!
I
hope my status is now corrected.
--------------------------------------------
7. Magic - Art, Craft or Neither - Part 13
--------------------------------------------
Message by Anthony Darkstone - USA/Europe
At
the beginning of this series, I mentioned that I would be
including thoughts & musings from various guests who
have kindly shared their perspectives. This week Michael
Lauck shares his thoughts on the topic.
Michael
Lauck is a freelance writer, illustrator and producer who
has been involved in magic since childhood. A former semi-professional
magician, he has discovered he prefers behind the scenes
over the spotlight. Michael writes material for other performers
and regularly for iTricks.com. His recent article there
made a number of salient points regarding this topic. Michael
and iTricks.com have kindly given their permission to share
his words. They will appear in two consecutive issues. This
is the first installment.
Michael
Lauck is a Professor and The Archivist for Camelard College.
I am honored to serve alongside him as a Faculty Member
and Full Professor. The Camelard College of Conjuring of
Chemmis, is the world's only international Honor Society
for accomplished women and men magicians, as well as those
in the Allied Magical Arts.
Michael Lauck www.horizonmonster.com
iTricks
writer Michael Lauck explains why there is a wealth of context
to the question, "is magic art?"
The
recent video from R. Paul Wilson and company has reignited
the debate as to whether or not magic is an art. It is a
difficult question because defining art is, in itself, a
complex task. Once we separate the general and mundane usages
of the word art from the use of the word in its most revered
form, though, I will argue that magic is not an art. However,
that is not any source of shame and does not in any way
preclude the magician from being an artist.
The
word art actually has multiple uses and meanings, at least
in English. In the broadest sense, art is used to mean anything
that is not a science that is anything that does not have
hard and fast rules governing it. This is particularly true
when speaking of something that requires skill, experience
and/or judgment. In this form we frequently hear phrases
such as "the art of sales," "the art of making
friends," and even "the art of motorcycle maintenance."
In this sense I suppose "the art of magic" is
a legitimate term.
However,
it is fair to say that sales, making friends and motorcycle
maintenance are not held in the same high regard as the
realm referred to when speaking of "the arts."
(To help distinguish between the two, I will use art and
Art.) To further complicate the matter, art is frequently
used as an offhand term to describe anything decorative
or similar to Art. A third grade art class, for example,
has very little chance of producing Art. Finally, art is
used, frequently in phrases such as "the arts"
or even "fine arts," to describe the general classifications
of Art. This is the context in which magic is being discussed.
Is it an art to be placed alongside other fine arts such
as dance or painting?
First,
then, before discussing magic's place it is best to define
Art. How exactly to define Art is a debate that has raged
among critics, historians and even philosophers for centuries.
Instead of striving to create the perfect definition here,
it will probably be a bit more expedient to look at a few
famous takes on Art and distill a general definition from
them. John Ruskin, an important Victorian era art critic,
wrote "Art is that in which the hand, the head and
the heart of man go together." Simply put, he argues
that Art is the combination of physical skill, intellect
and emotion. Aristotle also hints at something beyond the
physical in Art when he states "The aim of art is to
represent not the outward appearance of things but their
inward significance."
-------------------------------------------
8. 2013 June Magic Castle Schedule
--------------------------------------------
Message by Jack Goldfinger
Director Of Entertainment
Academy of Magical Arts, Inc.
May
27-June 2nd
Close-Up
Gallery
Early: Jesse Dee
Late: Henok Negash
Parlour
of Prestidigitation
Early: Eran Biderman
Late: Gregory Wilson
Palace
of Mystery
Jonathan Pendragon
Peller
Theatre
The Magical Misfits
Doug Brewer & John George
W.
C. Fields Bar
Patrick Heitkam
Friday
Luncheon
Henok Negash
Saturday
& Sunday Brunch - Parlour
Christopher Lopez
Lecture
Gregory Wilson
June
3-9th
Close-Up
Gallery
Early: R.Paul Wilson
Late: David Gabbay
Parlour
of Prestidigitation
Early: Alba
Late:Tim Shegitz
Palace
of Mystery
Murray 'Celebrity Magician'
And 'Lefty'
Peller
Theatre
Mark Paskell
Robert Baxt
W.
C. Fields Bar
Tim Wise
Friday
Luncheon
R.Paul Wilson
Saturday
& Sunday Brunch - Parlour
Tim Wise
Lecture
R.Paul Wilson
June
10-16th
Close-Up
Gallery
Early: Chris Korn
Late: Scott Wells
Parlour
of Prestidigitation
Early: Ben Seidman
Late: George Tovar
Palace
of Mystery
Darren Romeo
PellerTheatrre
Paul Vigil
W.
C. Fields Bar
Doc Eason
Friday
Luncheon
Scott Wells
Saturday
& Sunday Brunch - Parlour
Gerald Schiller
Lecture
Scott Wells
June
17-23rd
Close-Up Gallery
Early; Alvaro Quevedo
Late: Steve Friedberg
Parlour
of Prestidigitation
Early: Derek Hughes
Late: Chris Mitchell
Palace
of Mystery
Dana Daniels "NO SHOW"
Richard Allen
Peller
Theatre
Kevin Viner
Nathan Gibson
W.
C. Fields Bar
Doc Eason
Friday
Luncheon
Alvaro Quevedo
Saturday
& Sunday Brunch - Parlour
Eddie Medrano
Lecture
Alvaro Quevedo
June
24-30th
Close-Up Gallery
Early: Larry Wilmore
Late: David Regal
Parlour
of Prestidigitation
Early: Dave Cox
Late: Rob Zabrecky
Palace
of Mystery
Mark Kornhauser
Eli Kerr
Peller
Theatre
Benji Bruce
Jon Armstrong
W.
C. Fields Bar
Mark Collier
Friday
Luncheon
Larry Wilmore
Saturday
& Sunday Brunch - Parlour
Frank Thurston
Lecture
Benji Bruce
Performers
are subject to change due to circumstances and availability
--------------------------------------------
9. Magic At The Beach 2014 Registration Open
--------------------------------------------
Message by Mike Heidtman (US)
Fifth Annual Magic at the Beach, Myrtle Beach, SC, USA
16-18 January 2014, Ocean Dunes Resort & Conference
Center
I know it seems like just yesterday we wrapped up an incredible
weekend at Magic at the Beach 2013. If you were able to
be a part of our event we thank you for coming. We hope
you are making plans to attend our next event. We have been
working hard to make our next event even better and have
just revamped the website to give it a more sleek and modern
look.
Our
team has been busy making arrangements and booking talent
as well and we are pleased to announce a few of the great
acts already booked:
Woody
Aragon - Woody Aragón is not just an outstanding
card magician and technician he is above all an incredibly
entertaining magical performer. Mr. Aragón has appeared
on international television programs in Spain, Germany and
the United States.
His many awards include the 2005 Spanish Champion of Card
Magic, the prestigious Ascanio Award for the Magician of
the Year, 1st Place McMillan's International Convention
Award and The Society of American Magician's "People's
Choice Award" and "Excellence in Close-Up Magic
Awards", just to name a few.
Woody
will be performing his one-man show "Bald Faced Liar",
a spot in our All-Star Close-up Show, a lecture and a special
workshop on Sunday. Don't miss an opportunity to see this
International star!
Also
presenting will be Gaston - Two-time FISM winner and Germany's
Magician of the Year - lecturer, author, performer, writer
and actor - Gaston, is a key member of the famed Flicking
Fingers and one of magic's most creative performers.
Gaston will be appearing in the All-Star Close-up Show,
Cabaret Show, and Champions of Magic Show at Magic at the
Beach as well as presenting a lecture. This is Gaston's
first appearance on the East coast. Do NOT miss this rare
opportunity to see Gaston in the USA at Magic at the Beach!
Being held the 16th - 18th of January 2014 in Myrtle Beach,
SC, USA.
Ocean Dunes Resort & Conference Center.
All rooms are ocean-front and are $59/night USD.
Information for the Ocean Dunes Resort & Conference
Center is available on our website. Call 1-800-599-9872
to book your room today!
Be sure to mention Magic at the Beach to get the special
rate.
Registration is limited. Register early and save!
Register Today - www.MagicAtTheBeach.org
or call Broadway Magic at 843-626-8191
Yours
in Magic,
Mike Heidtman
Director/ MATB2014
MB, SC, USA
--------------------------------------------
10. Broken Wand - Leland Van Deventer
--------------------------------------------
Message by Bruce Chadwick
Leland B. Van Deventer passed away peacefully at Kindred
Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas USA on May 22, 2013. Born
in Los Angeles, California on November 10, 1920, professionally
Leland was a tool and die maker with North American Aviation.
He was proud that he even made a major support beam for
the space shuttle.
After graduating from Los Angeles High School and Junior
College, Leland proudly served in World War II, and later
became an active member of the Fullerton and Fort Worth
branches of the American Legend. Raising his family in Torrance,
California, his passions were fishing, photography, carpentry,
camping and being an all-around fix it man.
One of his greatest passions however was magic and illusion.
Leland was even president of the Orange County Magic Club
in California, and later the Fort Worth Magicians Club in
Fort Worth, Texas made him "Magician of the Year."
Known as "Van the Magic Man," Leland enjoyed performing
on a regular basis for children's and family groups, and
particularly in church settings. He built a lot of his own
magic apparatus, and was particularly enjoyed his thimble
manipulation routine.
Leland's sustaining Christian faith was a major part of
his life. He came to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior
when he walked into a small AG church in Texas during the
war. He loved the Lord and took his family faithfully to
church every Sunday. His daughter Ruth would later say,
"We never missed church even when we went camping."
Leland B. Van Deventer is survived by his daughter Ruth
Porter and son in law Walt Porter, step daughters Sheral
Sly and Linda Kisner and their husbands Dan and Toni, seven
grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. Leland outlived
his two wives Myrtle Van Deventer and June Van Deventer.
Ruth says, "Everyone who met him thought of him as
an extra sweet man, and indeed he was."
--------------------------------------------
11. Performers And Lectures Announced For PCAM 2013
--------------------------------------------
Message by Bill Bedecarre
The
Pacific Coast Association of Magicians event will be held
in Burbank
Burbank, Calif. (For immediate release - 6/1/13) - Magicians
from all over the world will gather Aug. 1-4 in Burbank
for the 80th anniversary of the Pacific Coast Association
of Magicians (PCAM) convention. The Society of American
Magicians, Assembly 291 (also known as the Westside Wizards
from Venice, CA), will host the event at the Burbank Marriott
Hotel.
The
PCAM hosts an annual convention for professional, semi-professional
and amateur magicians to learn, practice, and perform magic.
Approximately 200 attendees from the United States, as well
as Japan, Australia, New Zealand and Canada are expected.
Performing at the convention will be Shawn Farquhar (Canada),
Andrew Goldenhersh, Rob Zabrecky, Jimmy H, David Gabbay,
Paul Green, Tim Mannix, Ice McDonald, and Trevor and Lorena
Watters (Canada).
Lectures
will include Max Maven, David Regal, Howard Hamburg, Shawn
Farquhar, Ice McDonald, David Gabbay, Tim Mannix and Paul
Green.
The convention kicks off on August 1st with a 'Tribute to
the Larsen Family', honoring the LA-based family responsible
for creating the world famous Magic Castle, a private club
for magicians, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
One
of the most popular activities at the convention will be
magic competitions in a variety of categories: stage magic
(adult, junior, juvenile); platform magic (adult, junior);
comedy magic (adult, junior, juvenile); mentalism (adult);
and children's magic (adult, junior, juvenile). One award
also will be given out in each of the following categories:
best assistant, outstanding showmanship and presentation,
and most novel or innovative.
Attendees
will have a chance to win a year's free membership to the
Magic Castle, hundreds of dollars of magical gear and a
special drawing for four tickets to the David Copperfield
show in Las Vegas which includes a meet & greet with
the master magician. Travel and accommodations not included.
Founded
in 1933, the PCAM convention is held in a different city
on the Pacific Coast each year. The last time the convention
was held in Los Angeles County was 1981. The convention
hotel, Burbank Marriott, is conveniently located by the
Burbank Bob Hope International Airport, will offer a special
rate for registrants. Early registration is highly recommended.
To
find out more information about the convention or to register
online, go to PCAM2013.com.
Contact:
Frank Padilla Jr., 805-660-0245, frank@yaquimagic.com
--------------------------------------------
12. Inside The Mind Of A Man Who Can Predict The Lottery
--------------------------------------------
Article forwarded on by Mel Kientz (US)
Illusionist,
trickster, magician: Inside the mind of a man who can predict
the lottery
by
Sarah Rainey, The Daily Telegraph
UK - Derren Brown probably knows how this interview is going
to go before he opens the door. This is the man who once
predicted the National Lottery results, after all. Who persuaded
a group of strangers to rob a security van. Who played Russian
roulette on live television? Who's rumoured to be banned
from every casino in the country because they're worried
he'll read the cards. Illusionist, trickster, magician;
call him what you will - even "Derren", which
by some mind control technique he's managed to convince
us is a real name.
But when he whisks open the door of his airy rented apartment
in Birmingham, all the smoke and mirrors fall away. Brown
is nothing like the cape-whirling, goatee-toting, caramel-voiced
charmer we see on stage and screen. For a start, he's shaved
- not just his chin but his head, too - and he's wearing
a very sensible striped jumper and jacket. That knowing
smile is gone; replaced by a meek grin that makes him seem
almost unsure of himself. He's warm and friendly and impeccably
polite, pushing open doors and pulling out chairs and endlessly
apologizing for dropping coins from his pocket in a clattering
heap.
Within minutes of my arrival, Brown has poured a pot of
mint tea and turned up Bach on the CD player. Strewn across
his table are well-thumbed philosophy books - Basic Writings
of Existentialism and The Schopenhauer Cure - a sheaf of
paper covered in mad scientist scribblings and, gratifyingly,
a pack of playing cards. If it weren't for the fact that
Britain's answer to David Baine was sitting opposite me,
I'd think I was in a therapy session.
I can't shake the idea that Brown is reading my every move
- or worse, my mind. Does he get that a lot? "Not as
much as you'd think," he chuckles. "I have one
friend who said the first time we met he was convinced everything
was contrived; that I was making him do things. Honestly,
I wasn't. When I'm doing what I do on stage, that's a very
particular and controlling way of being. It used to frustrate
me when I'd get celebrities on my shows and I had to meet
them as this ludicrous magician character rather than as
myself."
On Monday NIGHT this ludicrous magician took to the stage
for the 57th night of his marathon 132-show national tour,
Infamous, which comes to London's Palace Theatre next month.
His sixth live show since 2003, co-written by the actor
Andy Nyman, it involves Brown being on stage six nights
a week, touring venues in Liverpool, Oxford and Edinburgh
et al. "I love touring, more than anything," he
says enthusiastically. "Doing the stage show is a more
enjoyable process than TV. There are no safeguards but the
payoff is the wow factor. I want people to think: 'How can
he do that? How?'?"
His return to the Palace is a coming of age for Brown, who
first performed there nine years ago in his debut West End
gig. "It does feel more grown-up now," he muses.
"It's very personal and a bit less showy." Despite
his huge interim success - his latest Channel Four show
pulled in four million viewers - Brown still sits in the
back row of the gods before every opening night, "to
remind myself what people can see from up there".
The illusionist, 42, has been doing magic for most of his
adult life. Born in Purley, south London, to a swimming
teacher and a model-turned-receptionist, he was an only
child until the age of nine, when his brother Dominic came
along. He attended Whitgift School in Croydon, alma mater
of rugby player Danny Cipriani and Doctor Who writer Neil
Gaiman, where Brown says he was "generally uncool"
and "hugely nerdy". "I was quite precocious
and developed a nose for duplicity, which came from being
a bit of a loner."
This duplicity turned Brown into a kleptomaniac. In the
Eighties, he went through a phase of shoplifting, mostly
from music shops in Croydon. Once, he was stopped by security
guards for trying to nick a Luther Vandross cassette from
Harrods. "It's quite common for magicians to be tempted
by that sort of thing," he shrugs. "You have a
mind and an eye for how you can sneak things into your pocket.
It was the age of gadgets and there were so many glittery
things on the shelves, but they were expensive. I remember
looking around my bedroom when I was about 17 and thinking:
'God, I've nicked everything in here.'"
A shy, self-conscious teenager, Brown sniffed, twitched
and knocked his knees together compulsively. A nervous tic,
a subtle nod, endures to this day. On stage it could be
part of the act, but offstage it is a remnant of Brown the
nervous adolescent - and a reminder of the reason he got
into magic.
"A lot of unconfident kids do tricks because it's the
quickest route to impressing people," he explains.
"You can stand behind something amazing and people
think you're amazing."
At university (Brown studied Law and German at Bristol),
he became fascinated by hypnosis after seeing a hypnotist
on stage, and taught himself the basics. Fellow students
used to come to Brown's college halls to be "hypnotized"
by him. "I'd never seen anything like it before and
it ticked the attention-seeking, control-mongering box of
an insecure student," he says. He styled himself in
a cape, acquired a parrot and started performing on the
streets as Bristol's resident eccentric magician.
After a few years doing card tricks in bars, a TV producer
asked him to try out for a new show. Derren Brown: Mind
Control aired on Channel Four in 2000.
The following years saw Brown capture public attention with
increasingly outlandish stunts: holding a loaded gun to
his head; convincing a man with vertigo to emergency-land
a plane; getting law-abiding citizens to commit armed robbery.
He made a name for himself as the man who can quote whole
pages of a dictionary, win every game of rock-paper-scissors
and draw what's in your mind before you've even thought
it.
But behind the fame, Brown was grappling with a wavering
faith - he'd grown up Christian but was beginning to doubt
his beliefs. On top of that, he had come to hate hiding
his homosexuality, for which he once attended a religious
camp that promised to "cure him". Brown came out
in 2007, having declared himself an atheist ("I wanted
a belief that would be credible"), and settled down
with his current partner, Marc, a designer whom he has been
with for seven years. Today, he believes in gay marriage
- "I have disappointingly weak political views, but
we have to have a level playing field" - but isn't
sure it's something he wants to do, at least not yet.
At home in London, Brown leads a quiet life, listening to
classical music, reading and painting. His impressive and
hauntingly beautiful portraits are exhibited in galleries
in London and New York; recent subjects include Michael
Sheen, Dame Judi Dench and his parents.
He also has a bizarre collection of curios and taxidermy
("probably a couple of hundred pieces"), including
two stuffed giraffes, a cobra, a Jack Russell and several
six-legged sheep. "Name an animal," he says, teasingly.
"Umm
" "You were going to say penguin,
weren't you?" he fires back. He's right, of course.
"I do have a penguin; two, actually."
In a parallel universe, Brown says, he would be a teacher.
Last week, he led an art class at a secondary school in
Loughborough in memory of a former pupil. "The kids
were great and asked lots of questions," he says. "Teaching
would be so rewarding." He's also enjoying doing "worthwhile"
shows, like his two most recent stunts - Apocalypse and
Hero at 30,000 Feet - in which the subjects learned valuable
life lessons. "I don't want to be some extreme therapist,"
he insists. "Although seeing someone's life change
for the better is a really moving thing."
But it's not quite the end of the road for Brown the magic
man. He has a couple of TV shows in the pipeline, 75 nights
left of his national tour and hopes of performing outside
the UK for the first time in his career.
"I'd love to work in Australia and on Broadway,"
he says, "but I just haven't had time. In the future,
who knows?" It's clear from the twinkling eyes that
if anyone does, it's Derren Brown.
'Derren Brown: Infamous' is at the Palace Theatre, London,
from June 24 to August 17. For tickets, call 0844 874 0789
or visit nimaxtheatres.com
--------------------------------------------
13. 21 "Live" Magic Dealers Will Be In DC.
--------------------------------------------
Message by George Schindler (US)
The
Internet is fun and You Tube helpful when you want to see
the new tricks coming to the market - BUT- - Nothing beats
the "LIVE DEMO" of the colorful and exciting presentations
of the dealers. The patter, handling and performance timing
is what you'll get along with the honest pros and cons of
the effects you'll see.
They'll
be waiting in the dealer room at the 2013 Society of American
Magicians convention (July 3-4-5-6-) at the Marriott Hotel
Crystal Gateway in Arlington VA. You will find everything
from a thumb tip to a floating table is all in one place
with a variety of 21 different dealer tables. Props, books,
DVD's Silks and accessories will be on display.
Take
a quick peek at the list at http://magicsam.com/annual-convention/dealers-for-washington-dc-2013/
The special hotel rates expire June 11- Register now.
--------------------------------------------
14. Six White Java Doves For Sale
--------------------------------------------
Message from Tony Wilson (New Zealand)
I
have six white java doves for sale that are surplus to my
current requirements any interested buyers to view and possibly
purchase at $20.00 each.
Please contact me on (09) 5769581 or 027 4771240 or on tony@twmagic.co.nz
--------------------------------------------
15. Memorable Magical Moments
--------------------------------------------
Message by Salil Kumar "Solyl" Kundu (India)
In
the year 2007, while at the Reno IBM convention I invited
International President Phil Willmarth to Kolkata (formerly
Calcutta). Phil accepted the invitation and came down to
Kolkata to encourage the local IBM members and inject enthusiasm
amongst non-IBM members to join the IBM.
As
the Vice President of IBM in India I arranged a grand Get-together
under the banner of IBM Ring #83 in honor of the Int'l President
were quite a good number of magicians from around the country
congregated to teach, learn, perform and have fun in his
presence.
To
commemorate this valuable occasion I had published a beautiful
souvenir, which soon become a collector's piece, and went
all over the world to the magic-lovers as a gift.
BTW, I have set a trend of adding a section of magic effects
whenever I publish a souvenir-the Ring #83 2007 Get-together
souvenir was no exception. It included several offerings,
from close-up capers to stage conjuring from the magic creators
of repute from east and west, who understand their Art
Apart from 'A Greeting from the President', in addition
"Last few words' the souvenir titled "Memorable
Magic Moments" included:-
Phil Willmarth laudation by Jack White
Chronicle of IBM Ring #83 recounted by Solyl Kundu
Photographs of the Performers and Contributors in magic
section
In addition, the magic section included-
'Cornered' by Aldo Colombini
'Bang Gun - Balloon Antics' by David J. O'Connor
'Anti-Gravity Bottle' by Gora Dutta
'Centrifugal ESP' by Max Maven
'Elementary, My Dear Watson' by Peter Marucci
'Balls Across - Persistence of Vision' by Paul Hyland
'The Acrobat (new one hand knot)' by Phil Willmarth
'The Magic Coin Box' by Samuel Patrick Smith
'Cane to Plume' by Solyl Kundu
'Glass Backwards' by Tom Craven
'Thinking Inside the Square' by Wayne Rogers
Apart that there is an advertising section comprising ads
from various magic dealers and well-wishers of magic.
I
still get requests for this Souvenir from the magical memorabilia
collectors as well as magic lovers world over, however due
to excessive postal charges find it difficult to oblige
everyone what a pity! Therefore, I have published the first
digital edition of the Memorable Magical Moments on May
22, 2013.
For
information for the enthusiasts, it is available from www.lybrary.com
--------------------------------------------
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first three numbers (001) denote issue number, then the
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