For New Westminister-based illusionist Vitaly Beckman, the art of magic is exactly that: art. Vitaly: An Evening of Wonders is an interactive magical performance that showcases visual art, aiming to engage and connect the audience.
“It’s really about bringing art to life, I would say, and that includes art such as paintings, sculptures, and even photographs,” says Beckman. “My goal is to inspire [the audience] and make them experience something profound and magical at the same time.”
Describing himself as a visual person, Beckman uses his craft to express an appreciation for the important role art plays in the human experience.
“You can call it visual poetry, what I do, I try to express myself visually… and create visuals that are striking and moving, and at the same time seem to defy the laws of physics,” he says.
Beckman’s particular brand of magic tells stories and elicits emotions with illusions, a similarity that he feels extends to other performers.
“I also think that artists in general create illusions,” he says. “We’re using various mediums to create something that’s not happening or to tell a story that’s happening, but only in our minds.”
A fundamental feature of his work is originality, with all illusions in the show invented from scratch, rather than adapted or updated versions of previously attempted material.
“I really try and come up with something genuine as a form of expression and something that also hasn’t been done before,” he says. “I feel that I have something to say with magic, I have something to innovate rather than just entertain… The foundation is to have something fresh and new to say with magic.”
He is, however, inspired by other artists’ work, such as films by his favourite director, Alfred Hitchcock.
“There is actually a very interesting correlation between mystery movies and magic because in both you have the suspense… and you’re trying to uncover the layers of mystery in both,” he says.
Beckman invites his audience to get involved in the production for the full effect.
“I do encourage people to come up on stage or just to participate from their own seat… The idea behind the interaction is that they’re not just watching it on stage but they’re actually experiencing it personally.”
This participation is likely one of the reasons that Beckman’s happy to be back in front of a live audience.
“All of us within this industry are so grateful to be back to perform for live audiences. I think it’s key—people have to experience theatre in person,” he says. “It’s wonderful; I hope it continues.”
Having brought this show to audiences in many parts of the world, including recent American and upcoming Caribbean tours, Beckman says it will be enjoyed by all ages (although it is targeted at those eight years old and up).
“It’s one of those rare instances where it crosses the age barrier, as well as language barrier. That’s what’s lovely to perform for international audiences as well, and it’s so visual people really relate to it almost no matter what age they are.”
Highlighting the unifying aspects of magic is important to Beckman.
“I’m hoping that the show connects all of us to our humanity and creativity more… and declutter from all the technology we’re surrounded by day by day,” he says. “It’s so important to get back to our childlike sense of wonder that we all possess.”
Vitaly: An Evening of Wonders
7 pm Saturday, December 9
Various prices, Farquhar Auditorium, UVic
uvic.ca/farquhar