Theatrical Magic
French Illusionist Dani Lary
Back in my first round of college classes I took some electives in theater because I wanted to learn acting and theater dance to make my magic better. I wanted to learn how to move on stage, to make my magic believable and convincing. I learned all aspects of the theater; i.e., production, set design, make-up, movement, etc. Even though I was passionate about magic and cared less about a step-ball-change I learned a lot. For example a small movement on the stage gets swallowed up. Watch a lot of modern magicians and you will discover they make tiny motions with their hands when they should be making large movements. Watch some magicians prance around the stage and they seem to have a stock set of movements- they point at the audience repeatedly, they spread their legs as if they've had an enema, they shout, "Let's do this," or "Hey, hey, hey." Then enters French Illusionist Dani Lary.
I came across this incredible artist late one night and was absolutely convinced he was from India, from watching the above video. The costume, the make-up, the movements, everything created the impression that he was from downtown New Delhi. I don't know what shocked me more. The magic or to discover that he was French. (The magic didn't fool me- it is an old effect that has been dressed up and themed- I just loved the way he did it).
I've tried to watch all of Dani's posted magic and he never fails to amaze me with his grasp of theater. I will post a video of his entire show (available on the internet). It is a masterpiece of magic and drama and theater. I wouldn't recommend that you do the illusions he does- figure a way to do your own. But study how he does what he does. He has his own style. He doesn't have to point at the audience, spread his legs or shout "Let's do this." He is a consummate actor. One moment he is a dangerous man, a conjurer with dangerous powers that at any moment may be unleashed. At another, he is at a retro-beach party. Another moment, he's in the future and vanishes in a spinning fan only to appear in another part of the theater.
Lesson learned: take your own path, but learn the basics of theater- dance, acting, makeup, stage craft. Then learn the basics of magic and create them for yourself for your audience
I've tried to watch all of Dani's posted magic and he never fails to amaze me with his grasp of theater. I will post a video of his entire show (available on the internet). It is a masterpiece of magic and drama and theater. I wouldn't recommend that you do the illusions he does- figure a way to do your own. But study how he does what he does. He has his own style. He doesn't have to point at the audience, spread his legs or shout "Let's do this." He is a consummate actor. One moment he is a dangerous man, a conjurer with dangerous powers that at any moment may be unleashed. At another, he is at a retro-beach party. Another moment, he's in the future and vanishes in a spinning fan only to appear in another part of the theater.
Lesson learned: take your own path, but learn the basics of theater- dance, acting, makeup, stage craft. Then learn the basics of magic and create them for yourself for your audience
