Hypnosis Show Returns to Latvia With Illusionist Enrico Pecolli's Interactive Performance
After a long break, a hypnosis show is returning to the Latvian stage. Illusionist Enrico Pecolli has created an interactive performance combining hypnosis and mental magic.
Hypnosis is back on the Latvian stage after a lengthy absence. Illusionist and mental magic performer Enrico Pecolli, working with the illusion theatre Mystero, is presenting an interactive show called OI LI in which audience members can become part of the action. The performance looks at the possibilities of human perception and imagination from an unusual angle.
What happens on stage
In stage hypnosis, attention, imagination and suggestion are the main tools. People's reactions, expectations and ability to concentrate create an experience that can surprise both the participant and the rest of the audience. Mental magic also plays a major role. It is a performing art in which the artist creates the impression of predicting choices, recognising intentions or showing an seemingly impossible memory. Such effects can rely on careful observation, interpretation of non-verbal signals, memory techniques and the dramaturgy of audience expectations.
The organisers stress that hypnosis and mental magic are distinct art forms, but on stage they can complement each other. The show also includes humour and unexpected twists. Spectators can simply watch or, if they wish, take part themselves. Pecolli promises that taking part in the hypnosis experiments will be a safe and positive experience.
The performer's background
Pecolli's interest in hypnosis and unexplained phenomena began in his teenage years. At 12 he joined a professional illusionists' club in Turin, and at 19 he showed a performance devoted to hypnosis and parapsychology to illusion professionals, receiving a favourable assessment. He later earned a doctorate at the University of Bologna, studying performing arts history, acting and directing. He has performed in 76 countries.
Practical information
The show is in English with partial translation into Latvian. It runs for 80 minutes and is recommended for ages 12 and over. It is accessible to wheelchair users; tickets should be chosen in the first seat of each row. More information and tickets are available at www.mystero.lv.
