Hypnosis show “OI LI” by illusionist Enrico Pecolli comes to Mystero theatre

The Mystero Illusion Theatre will stage the hypnosis show “OI LI” on Saturday and Sunday, 21 and 22 November. The interactive production blends stage hypnosis, mentalism (a form of mental magic), psychology and theatre. Organisers say hypnosis is returning to the Latvian performing arts scene in a modern form after a long break. The show is led by illusionist and mentalism specialist Enrico Pecolli.

What to expect

The performance is designed so that audience members can become participants rather than just spectators. It promises demonstrations of mental abilities, humour and unexpected twists. In stage hypnosis, attention, imagination and suggestion are the main tools.

Mentalism is a performing art in which the artist creates the impression of predicting choices or reading a person's intentions. Such effects can rely on careful observation, interpretation of non-verbal signals and memory techniques. Pecolli promises that taking part in the hypnosis experiments will be safe and positive.

The performer

Pecolli's interest in hypnosis began in his teens. At 12 he joined a professional illusionists' club in Turin, and at 19 he showed illusion professionals a performance devoted to hypnosis and parapsychology. He earned a doctorate at the University of Bologna, studying performing arts history, acting and directing, and has performed in 76 countries.

Hypnosis in Latvia

Illusionist Dace Pecolli points to two figures known in Latvia. Anatoly Kashpirovsky became famous in the late 1980s for television sessions in the Soviet Union, though his claims of healing illnesses remotely were widely disputed and are not scientifically proven. Physician, psychotherapist and hypnologist Jānis Zālītis held public hypnosis sessions. According to Dace Pecolli, television sessions, psychotherapy and stage hypnosis are separate fields.

Practical information

The show is in English with partial translation into Latvian, runs for 80 minutes and is recommended for ages 12 and over. It is accessible to wheelchair users; tickets are best chosen in the first seat of each row.