Information AboutMentalism |
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Mentalism is an ancient performing art in which the practitioner uses mental acuity, principles of stage magic and/or suggestion to present the demonstration or Illusion of Mind Reading , Psychokinesis , Precognition , Clairvoyance or Mind Control . One of the earliest recorded performances of a mentalism act was by diplomat and pioneering Sleight-of-hand magician Girolamo Scotto in 1572 . EXPLANATION Mentalism is generally considered to be a branch of Stage Magic , or cabaret magic, featuring many of the same basic tools, principles, sleights and skills in its performance. Styles of presentation vary greatly. A few performers, following Uri Geller , are said to use these techniques to present the illusion that they actually possess Supernatural powers such as Telepathy , Clairvoyance , Precognition , or Telekinesis . In the trade, this is known as "working strong." There remain some people who believe that Geller and similar practitioners are actually demonstrating supernatural powers. However, this belief is forcefully disputed by scientists and Skeptic s. As "supernatural" explanations fall from favour, many contemporary performers, including or to manipulate the subject subliminally through psychological suggestion, for example. In the trade, this is known as "working clean." Mentalists generally do not mix "standard" magic tricks with their mental feats, and sometimes claim not to be magicians, although the mechanics of mental and magical performances are essentially identical. On the other hand, magicians such as David Copperfield routinely mix mentalism feats with their magical illusions. Some effects tend to blend themes from mentalism and magic... for example, a mind-reading stunt might also involve the magical transposition of two different objects. Such hybrid feats are usually classified as "mental magic" by performers. Mentalism and mental magic requires performers to display an authoritative, commanding and charismatic stage presence. A few of the successful 20th Century US performers of mentalism apart from those already mentioned have included Dunninger(†), Dr. Jaks(†), Kreskin, Max Maven, Tim Conover, Marc Salem, Gerard Senehi, Ehud Segev, Glenn Falkenstein and Frances Willard, Bob Cassidy, Alain Nu, the Evasons, Chris Caldwell, Brian Gillis and Sisuepahn, Ross Johnson, Craig Karges, Gerry McCambridge, and Christopher Carter. In Canada, mentalists such as Gary Kurtz, Patrik Kuffs and Thomas Baxter are making names for themselves with the public. Among the better-known names in mentalism in England, Europe and elsewhere have been Wolf Messing(†) (Russia), Erik Jan Hanussen (†) (Germany), Chan Canasta(†), Maurice Fogel(†), Al Koran(†),and David Berglas (England) and Ted Lesley (Germany). FAMOUS MENTALISTS
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