Ahead of his show in the Capital, acclaimed German mentalist Nicolai Friedrich tells S Mallik that his art combines the knowledge of psychology, suggestion and magic
You are considered one of the best mentalist of our time but who is a mentalistIJ In what ways is he different from a magicianIJ
Mental magic is a special discipline of magic. Mentalists do not use big boxes (like an illusionist) or make white rabbits appear out of top hats (that’s a magicians job) but instead they try to enter our most sacred place — our mind. The audience will experience incredible mind reading and witness crazy thought manipulations and finally some will be able to do miracles themselves. However mental magic is a mixture of psychology, suggestion and magic. It has nothing to do with supernatural powers though it looks like that. That’s why most mentalists feel they have to define classical magic.
For me, mentalism is a special discipline of magic. There are amazing experiences only magic can produce and there are mind blowing moments which can only be achieved by mental magic. So I consider it as a chance to create a much versatile and much more stunning and magical experience if I combine these arts together.
How did you train in this art and who was your inspirationIJ
At the age of four, I saw the performance of a magician in a circus. I was so thrilled and amazed by this experience that I wanted to become a magician myself. Soon after, I invested all my time, money and effort in learning new tricks. So probably this first magic show was the cornerstone of my career.
I am a huge fan of surrealistic art like that of Salvador Dali. However there are lots of magicians and mentalists who have inspired me and influenced my work. Most of them are not too well known to public. I admire how David Copperfield turns a magic trick into an emotional experience for the audience. I also love the creative and entertaining way in which Darren Brown performs mentalism in his live shows.
When and why did you decide to take up this professionIJ
like I said before, the first magic show was the cornerstone of my career. However, to comfort my parents I went to university and studied law. So I became a lawyer. My mother thinks I learnt something really serious. So, maybe I would have been a lawyer who would have solve impossible cases. Actually lawyers and magicians have a lot in common. Some say by finally becoming a magician I changed from one deceptive art to another.
Is there a logical explanation behind your actsIJ
Every magic trick is based upon science otherwise it would be supernatural. That’s why magic does not happen on stage but only in the mind of the audience. So in reality, science is the basis of magic but also vice versa since magic often is the basis for new inventions because it inspires people to achieve the seemingly impossible.
A portion of your act deals with reading the mind. How difficult or easy is it find out what the other person is thinkingIJ
The study of psychology of human nature helps us understand why people behave the way they do. It is quite easy to detect a lie or predict a future behaviour. Our body is constantly sending out information so if you think your secret thoughts are safe within your head even if you keep your mouth shut, you are wrong.
What are the traits of a good mentalistIJ
As a mentalist, you need to have great knowledge about the psychology of humans and how our mind works.
Has there been any time that an act has gone wrongIJ
Oh yes, Especially if you have invented something entirely new! However it is nothing bad but part of the natural procedure of trial and error. The most important thing that you learn from your mistakes is never make the same mistake twice. luckily most of the time the audience will not even realise if something goes wrong because a good magician will always have a plan B up his sleeve so he can secretly switch to that and finish the trick.
You have been to India before. Do you find any difference between the audience here and abroadIJ
Yes, I have performed in India before. AGP World is conducting a national tour this time and I shall be performing in five cities — Delhi, Gurgaon, Bangalore, Pune and Ahmedabad. Indian audiences have been very receptive and have loved my mentalism and illusion tricks.
I try to have my scripts universal, so they work equally for audiences with different cultural backgrounds. However, as I always try to connect with my audience, I naturally adapt my shows regarding the rhythm, pace and comedy level.
nWhat would you say is the biggest myth about mentalist.
That a mentalist can steal a bank.