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Michael Ammar
Manage episode 485781639 series 3552922
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Magic happens only in the mind of the spectator—this profound insight forms the core of our extraordinary conversation with magic legend Michael Ammar. Fresh from his UK lecture tour, Michael joined us in the studio to share the eight effects he'd take to a desert island and the philosophy that has guided his remarkable career.
Michael's stories transport us from the hallowed halls of the Louvre, where a card placed on the ceiling became an unexpected tourist attraction, to Steve Wozniak's living room, where a framed card on ceiling became "the best conversation piece in my house." With characteristic humour, he recounts nearly being arrested at the Wichita airport for a ceiling card escapade and turning a dollar bill inside-out for the very Secretary of Treasury who signed it, discovering only afterward that such currency manipulation might constitute a federal offence!
Beyond these delightful anecdotes lies a deep reverence for the spectator experience. Michael explains how he transforms traditionally passive effects like the Cups and Balls into collaborative experiences where audience members themselves create the magic. He shares profound insights about the critical importance of body language, noting that "people trust body language more than words" yet few performers consciously script their physical communication.
What truly distinguishes Michael's approach is his compassionate view of volunteers. "Every spectator is someone's mother, father, daughter, son," he reminds us, advocating for treating audiences with genuine respect rather than using them as props. This philosophy of leaving the art "cleaner than we found it" resonates powerfully in today's performing landscape.
Whether you're a professional magician seeking to deepen your craft or simply fascinated by the psychology behind astonishment, this conversation with one of magic's most influential figures will transform how you think about the art of creating wonder.
Michael’s Ammar’s Desert Island Tricks:
- Cups and Balls
- Card on Ceiling
- Coins Through Silk
- Shadow Coins
- 100 Dollar Bill Switch
- Bill to Lemon
- Cannibal Cards
- Albo Cards (JC’s Super Closer)
Banishment. When Magicians use Spectators as Props
Book (shelf). Art of Astonishment, The Classic Magic of Larry Jennings, The Complete Works of Derek Dingle, Stars of Magic, Expert Card Technique, Collected Magical Art’s Journals, Hugard’s Magic Monthly, Apocalypse magazine, Martin Gardner’s Books
Item. His Wife (or a good coffee machine)
Find out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk
Chapters
1. The Card Ceiling Airport Incident (00:00:00)
2. Introduction to Michael Ammar (00:17:40)
3. The Cups and Balls Philosophy (00:36:20)
4. Card on Ceiling and Memorable Magic (00:55:00)
5. Creating Magic in Spectators' Minds (01:07:00)
6. Coins Through Silk and Body Language (01:18:00)
7. Respecting Your Audience (01:25:00)
8. The Bill Switch and Currency Magic (01:29:30)
95 episodes
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