Honesty and Storytelling in Magic

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In magic performances, honesty is crucial, even though deception is a key element. The essence lies in storytelling, where the magician guides the audience through a narrative to reach a magical moment. This emphasis on storytelling is more compelling than the actual tricks performed, as it reflects the human tendency to construct narratives to make sense of the world. Magicians use storytelling to lead the audience to an awe-inspiring conclusion, mirroring the way people simplify complex realities with stories in their daily lives.

In this remote Science Salon, Michael Shermer talks with Derren Brown, a British magician and writer.

His TV show Derren Brown: Mind Control received immediate success after airing in 2000. His specials include Russian Roulette, Seance, The Heist, Hero at 30,000 Feet, How to Predict the Lottery, and Apocalypse. His live shows Something Wicked This Way Comes and Svengali have won him two Olivier Awards. He garnered the 2012 BAFTA for Best Entertainment for Derren Brown: The Experiments. He has also penned the books Tricks of the Mind and Confessions of a Conjuror, which have sold over 700,000 copies worldwide.

His latest book is Happy: Why More or Less Everything is Absolutely Fine. Derren is currently in the US for his off-Broadway show Secret (April 21st – June 25th, 2017), which has already sold out and has been extended with additional dates.

Derren Brown makes his American theatrical debut in this world premiere production at Atlantic Theater Company. New York audiences can experience Derren’s unique blend of mind-reading, suggestion and psychological illusion in a brand new theatrical experience.