HBHS Student in One Man Performance
Something completely unique is landing in Hamilton this year for the annual Hamilton Fringe Festival. ‘Paradox,’ to be performed on the 25th and 26th of September is a show which sees psychological illusionist (and HBHS student) Hamish Annan combine magic, suggestion, psychology, misdirection and showmanship to perform mind-bending feats of mentalism. Through the use of subtle physical and psychological signs he can manipulate your decision-making process and control human behaviour. The audience is invited to suspend disbelief and enter a paradox, where the only way to see the impossible, is to believe it’s possible.
Paradox “is set to be a breathtaking piece of theatre, where miracles are made,” says show co-writer Tim Snedden. After a recent performance at Agora Cafe, Director of Agora Community Trust and Event Centre, Campbell Forlong commented that the audience “found themselves totally sucked into thinking they had [the act] all worked out. His end twist caught us all out and left us wanting the show to go on.” The show has also had support on Twitter from former One News correspondent Tim Wilson, Close Up’s Matty McLean and Irish mentalist Keith Barry.
“We wanted to do something fresh,” notes Hamish, “to reinvigorate the common ‘magic show.’ We have created a performance that will rely on the psychology of magic, exploiting the extraordinary complexities of the human mind.” And in this interactive theatre show he does exactly that; combining years of experience in performance art and mirroring the eccentricities of such performers as acclaimed British mentalist Derren Brown and Las Vegas duo Penn and Teller.
Other than the performance itself, work on the show has encouraged the numerous students involved in its production to develop and express themselves creatively in their specialist arts fields: graphic design, writing, film making, lighting, sound and event management. Not only will this show empower youth involvement in the Arts, it will also be an amazing opportunity for people of all ages to enjoy the local arts that the Hamilton Fringe offers.
What: Paradox
When: Tuesday 25th & Wednesday 26th September, 7.30pm
Where: Hamilton Boys’ High School Hall
Cost: Tickets: $10 Student, $15 Adult
Fringe card holders can include this show:
Waged: 5 shows for $60 Unwaged: 5 shows for $40
Tickets available from www.hamiltonfringe.co.nz or text/call 0204 FRINGE (0204 374643)
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