CASTELLO. Ivan Keys He is a young man passionate about art at its finest. He makes no distinctions. Magic, literature, illusionism and escapism are just a sample of his extensive repertoire. He is a ‘showman’. and he is from Castello. City in which he will exclusively premiere his new magic show, ‘The Key Show. A trip through your mind’, on April 4 and 5 at the Raval Theater.
Apart from being a magician, he is also a lawyer, high school teacher and writer. He graduated in Right by Jaume I University, he completed a master’s degree in teaching and, along the way, has published a total of five books. Everything, at 26 years old, and with the dream of one day being able to dedicate himself fully to the performing arts. Something, as he himself acknowledges, “is complicated.” However, hope is the last thing to be lost. Or, at least, that’s what they usually say.
Q. You define yourself as a professional illusionist, someone who has been practicing magic and escapism since you were sixteen years old. So that everyone understands, what do these types of techniques consist of?
Illusionism and escapism are skills that have been redefined over the years. Initially, illusionists were presented as people with powers. Later this concept was transformed and was associated with street people who dressed in hats, suits, and bow ties and, in turn, had secret knowledge. Nowadays, it is understood as a performing art that consists of the artist moving the audience’s attention wherever they want, with the aim of provoking in them an effect of surprise when something that seemed impossible happens in front of them.
Q. To the above, we must add his facets as an actor, presenter and ‘showman’. Where does this interest in the performing arts come from? How does it arise?
Since I was little I have felt this passion for them, it has been something natural. I would walk down the street, see someone perform a magic trick and, when I got home, I would try to recreate it until I got something similar. In fact, between the ages of 15 and 16, magic began to become my profession, as I began to collaborate with entertainment companies and others.
I have also always been passionate about reading information about great artists, like Da Vinci or Michelangelo. The artist, when he aims to be complete, does not focus only on one art but tries to practice as many as possible to enrich himself, to become better. Therefore, I have never focused only on magic.
Q. Has there been any other illustrious person who Has it served as a source of inspiration for you?
One of my great references is the French illusionist and filmmaker Georges Méliès. He was practically the inventor of cinema and also, as an artist, he was very complete, since he directed plays, made magic, automaton dolls and also painted. I admire him, both aesthetically and artistically.
Q. What relationship do magic and literature have? I have seen that he is also a writer…
They are related through their own essence. The arts that one practices and exercises will always be related. They feed each other. Without doing magic, I wouldn’t write the way I do and vice versa. In the end, every emotion, feeling and idea can be expressed both on stage and on paper. Everything, always taking into account where you can get the most out of it.
Q. So, Are you inspired to write to get ideas for your shows?
That is. And vice versa too. Sometimes, at the end of a very long ‘show’, and as a result of certain effects or tricks, ideas come to me that I write down and end up turning into short stories or fictional stories.
Q. To date, He has published a total of five books: one of fantastic youth literature, dChildren’s stories, a collection of poems and a theoretical essay. All of them with very diverse content and genres. What is the reason for this variety?
I have never set a pattern or scheme for myself. I have always liked to ‘flow’, try new things and see in which register I feel most comfortable. Although it is also true that within the novel, whether juvenile or fantastic, is where I feel most free.
Q. What objective do you pursue with your publications? What is its purpose?
Each one has its purpose. For example, in ‘Theory of Magic’, my goal was to provide a kind of theoretical basis, tool or starting point for anyone who began to be interested in this art. In the two children’s stories that I have written, I sought to transmit certain values related to magic to children.
Q. Returning to the magic, on May 4 and 5 your new show, ‘The Key Show’, premieres at the Teatre del Raval. A journey through your mind’. What can the public expect from it?
We are going to escape from what would be a generic magic show. The weight of magic will be around 80% and classic and very visual effects will be combined, such as making objects disappear or cutting people in half, with constant humor and musical parts. This comic and sound part would make up the other 20%.
On the other hand, the theater will be decorated as if it were an old train station and, attendees, their ticket will be exchanged for a ticket for the train. Everything, with the aim of simulating the trip that the title of the show announces. I will also invite people to come out and participate in different acts. Personally, I like that the public can experience the magic up close.
Q. What is the process of preparing a magic show? It’s complicated? Explain to people all the work that is behind and that is not seen…
The process is complex, especially since it is not a standard magic number. The script takes time and is very marked. You also have to decide which trick comes before and which trick comes after, since the idea is to simulate a trip and everything has to be well planned and conducted. The truth is that there is a lot of work behind it.
Q. Is it possible to make a living from magic for a young man who is only 26 years old?
Hope is there, although it is complicated. Before the pandemic it was simpler. Currently I combine magic with my work as a lawyer, in addition to training future magicians and teaching creative writing classes. I wake up every day with the hope of being able to dedicate my life exclusively to art.
