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The Art of “Deception” with James Mollenkamp

Magician/Mentalist James Mollenkamp invites you to a night of wonder at the Firehouse Theater on Tuesday, October 1st at 7:30 p.m. You’ve maybe met James working behind the counter at Riverbend Coffee, but did you know he had a passion for fraud, cons, cheats and pranks? (All in good fun, of course). It’s amazing what a small conversation unveils when you’re talking with your neighbors. James, besides being a super nice guy behind the counter promises to put on a great show.

What can people expect from Deception?

The show DECEPTION is very interactive. In the show is a lot of what has been deemed psychological illusions. Using the five known senses to create the illusion of a sixth. As a magician Dr. Faustus used to say “I’m a psychic and I’m a fraud!” Mind reading and magic.

What excites you about magic and entertaining people?

Magic is an interesting field to think about because it is a playground for thought and free expression. The playground on its surface is based on deception. Which would be a terrible thing, it would be a con (as it was in its history) except for the fact that the audience knows that.

I like to think of there as being a contract in magic, the contract is that I’m going to try and fool you with a trick. And you’re going to try not to be fooled. As Karl Germain said “Magic is the only honest profession. A magician promises to deceive you and he does.” And what makes it interesting is the ability to use the “lie” of magic to tell a greater truth. Plato said “Anything that deceives, may be said to enchant.” And when you perform a truly good magic trick, you’ll know, because the audience will tell you with their reaction. When a child gasps or a teenager screams expletives or someone stands stunned in amazement, that’s when the job is done. Performing is my greatest thrill. I absolutely love the feeling that magic gives people and I get the same feeling when they enjoy my magic.

Who is your inspiration and why?

I’ve had a lot of inspirations, most of them are obscure magicians from the past, but some more recognizable names are James Randi, Penn and Teller, and Bob Dylan.

Tell us a little bit about you.

Other than magic, which is my first love. I like music, reading, and travel. This year I decided to quit my job as a real estate agent so that I could pursue magic full-time. I’ve been lucky enough to meet and talk with many of the greatest magicians living today from London to California. I’ve been doing magic for about eight years now.

Follow James here:

James Mollenkamp DeceptionAboutFBIG


Show Details:

Firehouse Theatre (View)
1609 West Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23220
Tuesday, October 1 at 7:30pm. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 DOS.

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