|
|
Smoking Camel Inner circle UK 1039 Posts |
Often I find when performers approach tables, or walk on stage they audience will have already made certain assumptions about them. (sorry paraphrasing "Absolute Magic" but just in case some haven't read it.)
As Derren says when he approaches tables (in AM) he says "I'm a kind of magician") and that gets the intrigue at a level where people are willing to see what he has to offer. But again, only a few eyebrows are raised and normally the women will lean forward with interest whilst the men will sit back with smug grins waiting to see how exactly this "jester" is going to fool them. However, I attempt a different approach. I keep the material the same and keep "the moments" (R.O.) The same but diffuse all tensions and us/them dynamic via the use of satire. An example may go: (whilst walking past the table I'm going to perform for - instead of walking straight up I walk past then look over my shoulder and re-approach from a 45 degree angle - so it looks random). "ah a group of muggles" - (with a smile on my face). "Good evening" (begin to shake hands) (I don't then ask the question how are you - because everybody asks that and they will go onto auto pilot mode and answer fine) Instead I will make a presumption about the way the feel - "I hope you are all good and well?" Then begin the satire. "I've been asked to keep a few people amused by kind of demonstrating a few spells", (said in a very off the cuff - throw away manner whilst not really looking at anyone and not really believing it myself). "But anyway - Miss - have you ever been taught a magic spell?" reply, "Errrrrr." "Not to worry." "Here take this crazy looking bag.... don't ask." And then go into the routine. I find that satirizing performance disarms all presuppositions about you as a performer. It keeps the females amused because you are still talking about mystic things which most seem to enjoy and you are keeping the male at bay because you are ridiculing yourself - so they don't have to (you have the added advantage of choosing thus, where and when you get heckled - sort of). Of course, I would weave this style in and out of a repertoire. I would still dive head long into PK Time for example, in a serious manner without satirizing the PK. Just some random thoughts as I sit here and drink a coffee waiting for mother to turn up with some cigarettes.
I no longer smoke camel cigarettes.
|
Alexander Marsh Inner circle England 1191 Posts |
I like the idea. Of course it wouldn’t work for everyone, every table, all of the time but nothing ever does. I speaking from my point of view here. In your description I’m imagining a Jack Dee like character but less grumpy.
There are a few Mind Reader traits that could be satired (is that a word?!), for example the monotone voice and insistence of looking pensive with one finger on your temple in ALL mug shots!!! Oh, and taking the hiding of a small plastic disc or some such, just as seriously as a person thinking of a random member of there family or potent memory! Just a rant. Looking forward to the forthcoming replies from other users.
My stuff: AlexanderMarshMentalism.co.uk
|
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Penny for your thoughts » » On Mixing Magic And Satire (0 Likes) |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.01 seconds requiring 5 database queries. |
The views and comments expressed on The Magic Café are not necessarily those of The Magic Café, Steve Brooks, or Steve Brooks Magic. > Privacy Statement < |