Vanish Magic 117 | Page 9

“ The mastery of second-sight ... a display of technical prowess and deep connection that captivates from start to finish .”

In the heart of Dubai , a city celebrated for its architectural wonders and vibrant energy , lies a venue where the extraordinary becomes reality . Within this 450-seat auditorium , “ Connected ” by Mind2Mind — James Harrington and Marina Liani — transcends ordinary performance , evolving into a profound manifesto of unity , love , and kindness in an often-divided world . This pioneering show marks the first of its kind in the UAE , paving the way for other emerging artists to join the city now being hailed as the “ New Vegas .” Since its inception in January 2023 , “ Connected ” has inspired other residency acts to make the UAE their home , including DMC with his exclusive show “ Impossible ,” which debuted in Abu Dhabi several months later in October .
The sense of anticipation amongst attendees upon arriving at the venue is unmistakable , driven not merely by the promise of entertainment but by the allure of an evening dedicated to celebrating human connection in its most genuine form . The preshow VIP lounge , offering complimentary food and drinks , embodies the luxury and hospitality synonymous with Dubai , making guests feel thoroughly indulged .
The Opening
From the outset , “ Connected ” distinguishes itself , beginning with laughter that cascades throughout the auditorium , courtesy of Ash Rose ’ s stand-up style comedy magic . This opening act was very funny and certainly loosened the audience up for what was to come . As the auditorium dims , signaling the arrival of James and Marina , there ’ s a collective inhale — a sense of being on the cusp of something transformative . Their emergence on stage is electric , setting the tone for a journey beyond mere performance to something with genuinely touching moments that I thoroughly enjoyed .
The Mastery of Second-Sight
At the core of “ Connected ” is Mind2Mind ’ s second-sight act , a display of technical prowess and deep connection that captivates from start to finish . The pacing is masterful , avoiding the drag that sometimes plagues performances of this nature . Humor is woven seamlessly throughout , ensuring the audience remains engaged and at ease . The selection of objects includes both common and uncommon items . I got the feeling that some audience
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