The Genii Forum

I'm not sure the audience is fooled by the end (lots of lapping) but this is a fun video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUv-Q6EgEFI

Yann Frisch won last FISM close-up grand prix with that routine. I saw him perform it at S.A.M. Convention mere 2 weeks after FISM and was superb.
At the end you are confused with all the things happening over the table.

Didn't someone once say "Confusion isn't magic"? Some old Professor type if I recall...

This has to be the poorest-fitting application of that quote that I can think of.

This routine is basically Cardini doing cups and balls, isn't it? Topas' "victim" paradigm?

I find it refreshing and beautiful.

It's a remarkable routine, which I've seen live twice. It's not really a magic routine as much as it is a piece of performance art or a silent method-acting monologue.

It's not a magic routine? Interesting.

It's not a magician routine -- there's nobody playing the role of a magician -- but it certainly is a routine full of magic.

Richard Kaufman wrote:It's not really a magic routine as much as it is a piece of performance art

How would you define the difference?

In case people haven't taken the time to look, this is a new version of Yann Frisch's FISM act. I enjoyed it much more than the original.

Regrettably, I don't perform magic because I don't want to become, in David Berglas' words, a demonstrator of tricks.

I aspire to create a character or routine that flows seamlessly. This is great example. Gaetan Bloom had a similar approach during EMC 2011 involving a microphone stand which was breathtaking.

I am overwhelmed by the number of effects that are possible and finding the right combination and situation. Something so simple as a cups and balls routine within this context is a great inspiration.

David Berglas has performed lots of magic without becoming merely a "demonstrator of tricks."

Indeed, but what's the difference between magic and performance art?

Richard Kaufman wrote:David Berglas has performed lots of magic without becoming merely a "demonstrator of tricks."

It seems that you misunderstood my comment. By saying in David Berglas' words, I was quoting him. In your March 2011 issue he said:

"If you are just a demonstrator of tricks, the audience will turn off and say 'Well he's very clever, I don't know how he does it but it is just a trick'."

I think any complete routine, as created by Yann, Gaetan Bloom and others reflects this sentiment. I was agreeing with David Berglas, not criticizing him.

You misunderstood my comment. You wrote:

"I don't perform magic because I don't want to become, in David Berglas' words, a demonstrator of tricks."

Not performing magic because you don't want to become a "demonstrator of tricks" doesn't make sense, since the person who made the statement--Berglas--is not a demonstrator of tricks, but a creator of miracles. That necessitates doing magic.

I think that MM is trying to say, somewhat confusingly, is that he doesn't want to just present tricks but, rather, effectively designed miracles ala Mr. Berglas.

"Captain" Strother Martin said it all: http://tinyurl.com/MManchester

Richard Kaufman wrote:Not performing magic because you don't want to become a "demonstrator of tricks" doesn't make sense, since the person who made the statement--Berglas--is not a demonstrator of tricks, but a creator of miracles. That necessitates doing magic.

But David was criticizing something? Was he not encouraging people to develop a routine or persona?

If I go into a magic store and buy Hippity Hop Rabbits and present it, I'm not creating miracles. It's a self-working effect that doesn't require any engaging personality on the part of the performer.

Steve Hook wrote:I think that MM is trying to say, somewhat confusingly, is that he doesn't want to just present tricks but, rather, effectively designed miracles ala Mr. Berglas.

Thank you Steve. It seems I need another self-imposed exile from the Internet. I thought I was being clear. My frustration at misunderstanding others and expressing myself is acute. Normally not an issue for me.

Don't exile yourself! Discuss! Intellectual discourse is food for the brain.

Thanks for the clarification. These types of things are often easier to discern during conversation.

It would be interesting to see layman reaction to Yann if he were put on a regular variety show and simply introduced as Yann Frisch.

I suspect very few would describe him as a magic act.

I see home closer to a clown/juggler in that act. I like the cartoon logic and gags in the routine. Bravo. Let's see how he refines his character and theme work as he goes along.

MManchester-
Don't exile yourself and don't put off performing magic. You aspire to perform magic, not just demonstrate tricks but no one (and I strongly suspect Mr. Berglas would be included) performs magic right out of the gate.

Characters and routines that flow seamlessly do not appear out of thin air, but rather through hard work. Work that must include performance and audience feedback.

So perform! Even if--for right now--you're just doing tricks.

Jeffrey Korst wrote:MManchester-
So perform! Even if--for right now--you're just doing tricks.

I want to second Jeff's advice.

Magic is a performing art, you become a better performer by performing, receiving feedback from your audience, learning from that feedback and performing again.

I long ago realized I will NEVER be a great magical artist - I don't have the talent or the drive. But I do perform some entertaining magic for my students and my friends. And I do strive to be as artistic and competent as I am capable of being.

I am also a better magician this year than I was last year - precisely by following the advice Jeff just gave you. I perform every day and I think about how to improve my performance - over time it has paid off.