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TAIPEI: Taiwan illusionist Liu Qian walks down a crowded street in Ximending, Taiwan, with two Japanese guests in tow.
The trio walking down the street soon becomes a procession as a crowd gathers around them, expecting something magical to happen.
They were not disappointed.
Liu's party stops by a bubble tea shop and he asks his guests if they want some. The couple nod and Liu proceeds to purchase two cups, a cup of bubble tea for the female guest and a cup of clear water for his male guest.
When the male guest protests at the unequal treatment, Liu assures him it is indeed bubble tea.
He then speaks his trademark line "It is time to witness a miracle" and begins to gently shake the cup.
As the water swirls within, tapioca balls or 'pearls' appear and the water turns tea-coloured. Liu passes the cup back to his guest who declares that it is indeed milk tea.
Magical Dreams
This effect, which appeared on a Taiwan television programme, is just one of Liu's many illusions that range from putting a ring into an egg to divining a spectator's thoughts.
While these effects are amazing, perhaps the most baffling feat of all is how he keeps coming up with fresh ideas for effects which make every one of his performances unique.
The answer to that question, as I found out during a phone interview with Liu, is that he literally dreams up some of his best work!
"My inspiration comes from my daily life as well as other performance arts like theatre and film. For me, perhaps the most special source of inspiration is actually my dreams.
"I always keep stationery near my bed, so I can write down whatever I think of. I would wake up in the middle of the night to scribble my thoughts because very often, I forget them once I wake up," explained the award-winning illusionist.
The 34-year-old became an international celebrity after an exceptional performance at the CCTV New Year's Gala 2009 in China.
Liu's fame and amazing feats have also attracted netizens who do their best to expose his methods.
Just hours after his performance at this year's CCTV New Year's Gala for example, there were huge online discussions on just how Liu had managed to put a solid coin through a clear glass table.
However, instead of being upset by the large number of people seeking to expose him, Liu understood why they do this and was very happy to have triggered such a reaction with his work.
"I don't think they can be called 'exposers' but should be called 'speculators' because they are usually a bunch of people guessing randomly.
"People are curious and when faced with the baffling circumstances, they will try to understand exactly what happened to make themselves feel secure. Only professional magicians know the methods and they won't reveal it.
"I actually find it interesting that people speculate about these feats as it fires their imagination. I am very happy that my performances get people thinking," said Liu, who has been practising magic since he was eight years old.
Magic - the ultimate pick up tool?
The art form's ability to get people curious is also why Liu believes that magic is an excellent tool for guys to court girls.
Not to fool or impress the ladies mind you, but by making the courting male a better conversationalist.
"I haven't tried it personally, yet. But I do know it's very effective. It encourages conversation and helps you get to know each other better. At the very least, you can avoid situations where there is nothing to talk about.
"When you practise magic, you will also acquire a (disarming) way of speaking which allows you to bring people closer to you and speak to them more easily," said Liu
Drawing attention back to his upcoming show in Singapore on July 31 at The Max Pavillion, Liu said he is very excited as this will be his first large-scale performance here and promised it would be chock-full of jaw-dropping effects.
"There are just too many to list! For example, we often see magicians make their assistant float, or levitate themselves, but I will attempt to make the audience float. I will even attempt to help people from the audience remember their past lives," said the illusionist.
"About half the show will involve some form of audience interaction. I am sure when I say this, people are bound to be suspicious and wonder if this is all rehearsed, but it is completely random. I will be throwing out a Frisbee into the crowd and invite only those who manage to catch it to participate in my illusions.
"I don't like people to just sit there and watch the show. I want people to experience the performance."
Witness Liu Qian's magic first hand at the Singapore leg of the Liu Qian World Magical Tour 2010 on July 31, 8pm, at The Max Pavillion@Singapore Expo. Tickets are available via SISTIC.
- CNA
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