Today I wanted to spotlight a magician that deserves recognition, but isn't too well known around the magic community.René Lavand is a magician from Argentina specialising in close-up performance. He has appeared in Ed Sullivan's and Johnny Carson's television shows as well as shows at the Magic Castle.
After losing a hand at the age of 9 in a car crash, Lavand endured a gradual entry into the magic world, self-taught because, in his own words, all books and techniques are for two-handed magicians. After working as a cashier in a bank, at the age of 32 he appeared in Buenos Aires' Tabarís Theater, following which his career took off, leading to world tours. The catchphrase he uses to close several of his tricks is "No se puede hacer más lento" (Spanish for "it can't be done any slower"), referencing the intentional slow pace at which he performs. In between international tours, he resides in Tandil, Buenos Aires and has adapted a train wagon which he turned into a magic saloon where he teaches illusion. He also co-wrote ( with Richard Kaufman ) the book "Mysteries of my Life". The book is an autobiography as well as an instructional book on Rene's magic.
We have a 5-DVD set of René Lavand's Close-Up Artistry. The magic Lavand performs on these DVDs is both beautiful and poetic. These are more than just tricks, they are multiphase routines accompanied by artistic presentations and wonderful stories. It is impossible to describe the beauty of his magic. These routines must be experienced. Each volume begins with a twenty-minute performance followed by a walk-through of how everything is accomplished.
Here's some video of the master at work.
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