09 Banachek flexible and open with every element because this allows you to discover better and new ways to perform .”
“ It changes nightly because it ’ s a kaleidoscope of thoughts , ideas , personalities and people ,” he explains poetically . “ Sometimes it ’ s about finding that right word or that right moment that changes everything . Structure is important . I play with it . Because sometimes you go ‘ This is my big closer ’ but often that closer might be better somewhere else ”
Banachek has created a prolific amount of learning resources for other magicians . Books , papers , novels , lectures - his lessons and legacy will live for lifetimes , carving a very unique footstep in the world of mentalism and psychological subtleties .
When Banachek lectures he always makes it clear he is providing effects , and not top-totail routines .
“ I want people to create for themselves . There ’ s nothing better for me when I see someone perform an effect and I ’ m like ‘ Man that was great ’ and they go ‘ Well , that ’ s yours - that was in your book ’ I love that . I like to give people tools for their toolbox .
“ Sometimes I forget things that are in my book . Quite often they ’ ve read it differently and they ’ ve created what they thought it was . I love they ’ ve done their own thing . I want people to be different . I want people to think different , and I want them to find their own character .”
As Banachek shares , finding your own character is the most important key for success . “ David Copperfield would not want to look like Criss Angel . Criss Angel wouldn ’ t want to be like Copperfield . And David Blaine doesn ’ t want to be Criss Angel . These guys have achieved their own success because they are who they are . Finding your own character is what ’ s going to make you successful .”
In Mind Games , there are many moments when the audience stops , still , silent and in awe . One such moment was when Banachek shared the story of how other magicians have tried to emulate some of his most dangerous effects and two people died underground . He says this is always on his mind .
“ I think about how I ’ ve influenced people – even with a knife roulette ; a lot of guys have been hurt . I do feel bad about it but I don ’ t feel responsible .”
In 1992 , 32-year-old magician Joe Burrus died after his ‘ buried alive ’ stunt went wrong . “ Joe Burrus could have picked up the phone and called me