Aug 27, 2008

August-September: Henrik Silver, Mentalist

Mentalism is a performing art where the practioneers use magic, psychology, suggestion and body language to create the illusion of a sixth sense. The illusions may involve mind reading, psychokinesis, extra-sensory perception, precognition, clairvoyance and mind control. Most mentalists are rather unwilling to call themselves magicians, arguing that mentalism is a different art form altogether. Henrik Silver rather refers to himself as a performing artist than a magician.

Most mentalists do not mix standard magic tricks with their mental feats either. Still, mentalism has a lot in common with standard stage magic, featuring some of the same basic tools, principles, and skills in its performance.

In September Henrik Silvers new show premiers in Båstad, Sweden. It’s called “Henrik Silver – a journey inside our sixth sense” (en resa i vårt sjätte sinne).
Besides setting up his own shows, Henrik regularly performs on corporate events, exhibitions, openings and private parties. For bookings and more information visit: www.henriksilver.com

How did you get started in the mind reading business?

- I’ve had a burning passion for magic since I got my first magic box when I was seven years old. Even if I was just a kid then, I instantly knew that I would devote my life to magic. I’ve been a professional for five years now, so you might say that my childhood dream has come true. Before I started working full time as a performing artist I was a fire fighter.
I think that mentalism and mind reading is a more pure form of magic. It’s not about the standard ‘magical tricks’. We do not claim to be psychics in any way; we just use small, subtle methods to read people and to influence their choices. It’s like magic, but for real.

What motivates you?

- To perform in front of a large audience always gives me an adrenaline rush. It’s a great feeling to see how people react, how they get fascinated and confused at the same time. Being an artist has other upsides too. You get to travel to exciting places and meet interesting people.

High profile magicians often dress sort of extravagant. I’m thinking about the typical Sigfried-&-Roy-look. What’s the latest Vegas fashion?

- The trend in the world of magic has always been tight leather pants and long hair. For several reasons I’ve chosen to ignore that trend …

What about the business side of being an artist? Is it expensive to set up a show?

- It depends on what type of show you’re setting up. I used to do a bigger show with 13 people in the ensemble. It cost me a lot of money … obviously there is the salaries, hotels, stage clothes and so on for the entire ensemble. My new show is much leaner. It’s just me on stage and four technicians. I think this is a much better format. It’s more intimate, less expensive and just as impressive, if I may say so. But if my goal as an artist would be to make as much money as possible I’m definitely in the wrong business. Of course I would like to make a bunch of money some day, but that’s not what drives me. I perform because it’s fun and because I love doing it.

What’s your most advanced act?

- Most mind reading tricks are fairly advanced. When I read the mind of somebody in the audience, and reveal something that only he or she knows, it always makes an impression. Earlier when I performed classical illusions my most advanced act was when I made a person levitate and disappear into thin air.

Which types of illusions are the most fun?

- Tricks that build on influencing people’s choices are fun. In one act I have five paper bags. Under one of them is a sharp knife. A person from the audience gets to choose four bags which I smash with my bare hands. Under the fifth one is the knife.

Have you ever screwed up big time during a show?

- Absolutely! But usually it’s not such a big deal. Mistakes can sometimes even be a good thing, because it makes the show more real. Another thing is that the audience normally have no clue what’s supposed to happen, so most of the times you can save face.

What advice would you give to a young aspiring magician who thinks about becoming a professional?

- Go for it. At some point you must dare to take the big step and quit your regular job. It might be tough in the beginning, but if you work hard enough you’re going to make it.

Recipe for men’s man of the month in August

Name: Henrik Silver.

Age: 28.

Family: Girlfriend Maria.

Occupation: Magician, mind reader, mentalist.

Hometown: Stockholm, Sweden.

Enjoys on his spare time: Traveling and sailing.

The best in mentalist in the world: David Berglas.

If I could choose one stage to perform on it would be: The Mirage, Las Vegas.

The world's most beautiful man: Jake Gyllenhaal.