Bryan Miles has been called a people reader (as opposed to a mind reader), and he’ll be showing exactly how exciting this is at the Alexander Upstairs Theatre this month.
Obsessions of a Thought Reader– an interesting title. What’s the show all about?
We all have obsessions.
Our obsessions influence the way we think and behave. This show is about me sharing some of my obsessions with the audience. In the first three minutes of the show I will be potentially putting my entire career at stake with a simple obsession I’ve had since childhood.
Is it possible to extract the secret thoughts of a complete stranger? Does “free will” truly exist? Is human behaviour predictable? The audience will experience incredible demonstrations that will make them question the unlimited potential of the human mind.
Does it require audience participation – and should people feel scared?
Absolutely – audience participation is key in the show. No need to feel scared – I hope people leave feeling inspired!
You’re called an illusionist, and a mentalist, with magic and psychic skills. How would YOU describe what you are and what you do?
Personally I don’t like to put a label on what I do, as I use a hybrid of skills and techniques. I am certainly not psychic, but I have been able to tap into an area of the human mind that is largely mysterious and unexplained. I don’t read minds, I read people.
How did you get into this line of work?
As a child I was obsessed with taking things apart. I wanted to know how things worked and why they worked. My curiosity led me to realise that everything we encounter in this world (our perception and experience) takes place in the brain. I became fixated with the human mind and began to realise how easily it could be fooled. My fascination led me onto areas such as hypnosis, magic and psychology.
And did you study under people or develop your own special skills?
In my early days I trained with hypnotists and read everything I could about the human mind.
Who do you admire, in terms of people doing similar performance work?
The Israeli performer, Uri Geller, is a master in his field.
You’ve recently been performing in the USA – including Las Vegas and Hollywood. How was that?
Performing in the USA was an absolute blast! I had a busy schedule performing at the world famous Magic Castle for the second time. The American people were a great audience and they enjoyed me bringing a bit of South Africa back to Hollywood!
What was the last live show you saw, and how did you find it?
The last live show I saw was Michael Jackson ONE(by Cirque du Soleil) at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. It was an incredible show with just about every special effect you can think of – highly recommended.
What do you like to do to relax?
I love movies and music. Most of the time I kick back and watch a few of the 1980s classics.
l Obsessions of a Thought Reader is at the Alexander Upstairs Theatre from September 9 to 12. Book: 021 300 1652.