"I
have never seen a mentalist to compare with him." -
Dai Vernon
"This
man is dangerous." - Muhammad Ali
"The
most original mind in magic." - Orson Welles
Volume
One - Parlor Mentalism
It's done
under what can be the most difficult conditions: performing for a medium
- sized audience with no formal stage setting to focus attention.
Sightlines are often poor, and people must be drawn into the experience
even if they can't see everything clearly. Too, you may be working
surrounded, so you'd better be sure there are no angle problems. And, as
it's likely to be a social occasion filled with potential distractions,
your material needs to be compelling from the very first moment:
intriguing presentations that build to powerful conclusions. This video
features a range of commercial Parlor Mentalism. No pre-show work, no
secret assistance; this is practical material for the solo performer,
using subtle and unusual methods that are as fascinating as the effects
they produce. You'll learn:
The
Mockingbird - A sampling from the fabled "Birds of Prey"
series. At its core, an inexplicable demonstration of playing card
telepathy - but you'll discover how audience participation and an
unfolding plot structure can transform an already strong effect into
a full - fledged routine.
Autome
- An extraordinary book test using plain, ungimmicked props under
the fairest conditions. This is a remarkable routine in and of
itself, but it also introduces principles for which you'll find a
host of other uses.
Divine
Write - (Previously Unrevealed): Mutual mentalism with built - in
appeal. The performer tries an imposing experiment in clairvoyance,
working simultaneously with a member of the audience. Despite the
overwhelming odds, the outcome is successful for both!
Zenvelopes:
- A test of intuition using several participants and a number of ESP
symbol cards hidden inside opaque envelopes. These are thoroughly
mixed by the spectators, who then pair them off by playing their
hunches. When the contents are examined, all the symbols have
matched perfectly.
Kurotsuke
- (Previously Unrevealed) An ancient game from the imperial court of
Japan is turned into a delightful routine of stand - up mentalism
that lets several people get involved. And, best of all, it can be
done entirely impromptu using only borrowed materials.
The
Mind's Eye Deck - A pack of some 40 design cards is used. Each one
is different, and the deck is shuffled. While the performer's back
is turned, a spectator removes a card. Without turning around, the
mentalist starts describing the thought - of design, eventually
drawing it on a pad of paper. It's as straightforward as that.
