David Ben: Transgressive Magic

Writer, producer, magician and creative consultant, David Ben, discusses Transgressive Magic, Bullet Catch, and Card Table Artifice at the 2014 Luminato Festival. Card Table Artifice Music by Gavin Bryars. Book by David Ben. Opening Act TURN ON THE DARK! by Rob Zabrecky In 1902, card cheat S.W. Erdnase's published the seminal sleight-of-hand text The Expert at the Card Table. Nine decades later, inspired by Erdnase's work, Gavin Bryars and poet Juan Muñoz created ten string quartet pieces with accompanying narration. Now, David Ben brings fresh perspective to their collaboration, performed by Art of Time Ensemble and accompanied by Bryars, narrated by R.H. Thomson, with card table artistry by Ben. Bullet Catch Performer, director, playwright and magician Rob Drummond becomes William Wonder to tell the incredible story of William Henderson, who died on stage while attempting to catch a bullet, a stunt so dangerous even Houdini refused to attempt it. A feast of theatrical magic, Bullet Catch combines storytelling, mindreading, levitation, games of chance and, for those brave enough to stay, the most notorious finale in show business. Luminato Festival is Toronto’s international multi-arts festival for people open to having art change their outlook on the world. Join us June 19-28, 2015. http://www.luminatofestival.com Follow us: Facebook:   / luminatofestival   Twitter:   / luminato