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joemcdull Regular user 178 Posts |
Firstly, I am not experienced mystery performer, please forgive me if my question is too silly
I must admit that one of the reasons I slowly change from pure mentalist to mystery performer is because of how beautiful the props look, it is far more attractive to use a bronze 12 side dice than using a normal dice, but at the same time, a dice is a more organic which reduces chance of audience suspect trickery. I know I may think like a magician/ mentalist, and I know adding back story and good presentation help audience suspense their disbelief, but how do you guys consider between the two factors? What is your criteria when choosing ordinary object vs mystery object? |
weepinwil Inner circle USA 3828 Posts |
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On Feb 14, 2017, joemcdull wrote: I am probably a little different in my approach, or maybe not. I ask myself, "What would I actually believe myself, if I was the spectator?" I personally do not like to use a mystery item that is too rare, such as saying this is the only one of these or that it is the original item. Unless asked, I let the mystery remain by telling the story and only answering the question if it is asked, letting the object speak for itself and the spectator make the assumption. If I must answer the question, which is usually, "Where did you get that?" I have a pre-thought answer ready, preferably one that is not a lie. I once did a grind show, a Zibit from Doug Higley, and when asked where it came from I would just reply, "I bought it from a retired carnival worker." It was believable, explained the object, and satisfied the spectator. Kind of hard to explain when the item is a one of a kind or ultra-rare, so in my opinion the more normal something is the more the spectator is able to cross over the line from skepticism to belief. Just remember, belief is not necessarily based upon fact, that is why it is called belief and why every religion depends upon it. I could write more but I have to go. It is not polite to keep the dead waiting. Weepin' Willie "Guide to the land down under!"
"Til Death us do part!" - Weepin Willie
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WitchDocChris Inner circle York, PA 2614 Posts |
It really comes down to congruence. If the prop fits into the story properly it will not be questioned.
Also, remember this - There's nothing wrong with "because it's pretty and I like it" being the reason you use one thing over another.
Christopher
Witch Doctor Psycho Seance book: https://tinyurl.com/y873bbr4 Boffo eBook: https://tinyurl.com/387sxkcd |
YitzhakNoDice Special user Portland, Oregon 517 Posts |
To add to WDC's comment on congruence, the prop should also be in congruence with your character. I am a Jewish mystic, I would not have a relic from a Christian saint. Vlad, with his vampire character, would not carry a wooden stake carved from a haunter timber. These are extreme examples, but you get the idea.
A wise man's question contains half the answer. - Solomon ben Judah, Philosopher
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ManxBull Regular user Isle of Man 116 Posts |
Storytelling is everything. If you draw people into an immersive story, they'll accept a prop as part of that story once their imaginations are engaged, no questions asked. The story leads, the prop follows.
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The Curator V.I.P. Beware Vampire, I have 3909 Posts |
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On Feb 14, 2017, weepinwil wrote: On the other side, using a well documented rare artifact, sometimes worth a fortune, creates a unique setting. Especially if you've a museum full of those, and your collection being displayed in other important museums around the world (Museum Quai Branly in Paris, Hygiene museum from Dresden - coming soon - and far more). |
Gismologic Regular user 171 Posts |
Hmm..
Don't we all wish to have our specs walk a path to our well laid out Lair ? Perhaps the best question to ask the "Curator" is - What does he leave "home" armed with, ready to amaze people away from his "Lair". The gateway to mystery is "Mentalism".. No ? Then you can perhaps invite those folk to your "Lair". My observation is what challenges us all.. |
Gismologic Regular user 171 Posts |
I for one, have enjoyed Paul Draper's approach, as well as Christian Cagigal's.
It's about the ability to inform, mystify and perhaps(at it's best) introduce the element of FEAR (Andruzzi & Doc Shields). The additional element of portability is truly Nirvana - as I see it. I love the work of weaving Hypnosis into the mix.. even though it's an "Ancient" technique, I feel there perhaps lies the new "Frontier" for Mystery performance. BTW - I look forward to someday being blown away by Chelman.. I have it from high authority that he takes no prisoners when he holds "Court". I have performed some of his routines and his is a solid mind. Best wishes DD |
Wizard of Oz Inner circle Most people wish I didn't have 5150 Posts |
Embellished honesty. Don't lie necessarily, but don't set yourself up for having to defend your embellishments. Just tell the "truth" as you see fit for your character knowing that you will be called out on it.
In other words, if you are a history expert, and can go head-to-head with another history expert regarding an object you claim to impossibly have in your possession. Have at it. But, if you are like me who has limited historical knowledge, do like I do - and many others in this post - offer a blank check. "I was lucky enough to acquire this item from a relative I know little about," or, "this old thing seemed to speak to me in my antique shopping." Keep it vague. Keep it a question. Invite the mystery to compound the mystery.
Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.
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The Curator V.I.P. Beware Vampire, I have 3909 Posts |
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On Feb 14, 2017, Gismologic wrote: There are many situations: - The most practical is the VIP evening, a limited number of people are invited to an evening at the Surnateum and may have either a visit or a visit and a show. - I can lend my collection to more important events or museums. In this case, there are some live performances. Lectures and shows. - I can go to private parties with a miniature and portable cabinet of curiosities. |
weepinwil Inner circle USA 3828 Posts |
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On Feb 14, 2017, Wizard of Oz wrote: This definitely works. The Grind Show that Doug Higley sells is based upon the simple premise of, "The Strange Thing! What is it? We'd like to know!" The only question I was ever asked was where I got it from because the three statements answer all other questions before they are asked. The fun part for me was to hear people leave the tent stating what they thought it was or could be.
"Til Death us do part!" - Weepin Willie
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mindmagic Inner circle London 1740 Posts |
The heading for this thread took me down a completely different track of thought. It reminded me of a few short stories that I read in the past where the narrator is describing apparently supernatural events from a rational, sceptical point of view, until he begins to wonder, or realise, if perhaps there really is something supernatural going on.
The stories which come to mind are "The Plattner Story" and "The Temptation of Harringay" by H G Wells (and probably others too), plus one in French - "La Venus D'ille" by Prosper Merimee (author of "Carmen"). For a more practical example of this approach, have a look at "Daemons, Darklings and Doppelgangers" by Tony Shiels. There's at least one example ion there. Barry |
weepinwil Inner circle USA 3828 Posts |
Working as a funeral director prepares you for such stories. If you lay out the prop and tell the story convincingly, people will believe anything. Sometimes when they do the eulogy, I have to actually take another look just to make sure I brought out the right body.
"Til Death us do part!" - Weepin Willie
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jglumley Loyal user Kansas City 244 Posts |
You know how you and your friends share ghost stories and or paranormal experiences and you get goose bumps and your hair raises up on the back of your neck? That is what you do, except some times you get to cheat a little with some props to help you out a little.
The "18"
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