Asi Wind’s Incredibly Human, playing at the lovely new Underbelly Boulevard in Soho is a blend of mind-bending tricks and intimate storytelling, inviting you into a world where the impossible becomes possible, and the boundaries of reality are playfully blurred. Wind, an acclaimed magician known for his award-winning performances and appearances on shows like Penn & Teller: Fool Us, delivers a uniquely engaging experience that is as much about human connection as it is about magic.
Incredibly Human marks Wind’s UK debut and follows the success of his off-Broadway show Inner Circle, which garnered rave reviews and sold out its run. With accolades such as the Close-up Magician of the Year from the Academy of Magical Arts, Wind has proven himself a formidable force in the world of magic. In common with all magic shows of the last decade, the show purports to be more than just magic but rather an examination of life and philosophy. This show’s affect is to explore the essence of what it means to be human through the lens of magic.
The performance unfolds over 80 minutes without an interval. It does feel a bit rushed. But Wind transitions between tricks smoothly, with each designed to captivate and astonish. The evening begins with Wind introducing the concept of being ‘incredible’, setting the stage for a night filled with wonder and interaction. He engages with the audience immediately, inviting you into his world where he promises to lie—a nod to the inherent deception in magic.
I’m no stranger to magic shows, and the illusions here are all – without exception – ones that have been performed up and down the country by many illusionists. There’s little original about the magic. Solving Rubik’s cubes, guessing music choices and predicting a famous person through a drawing are all routines any magic afficionado will have seen done many times.
Yet Wind’s performance is characterised by his exceptional charisma and ability to connect with his audience. He moves fluidly through the space, often stepping into the crowd to draw participants into his act. This enhances the show’s intimacy and showcases his skill as a performer who thrives on spontaneity. For instance, during one trick involving audience-selected songs, he deftly navigates unexpected hiccups – like a member of the audience not knowing the name of an (exceptionally) famous celebrity – turning potential derailments into comedic gold. This adaptability highlights his mastery and reinforces the theme that magic is as much about human connection as it is about sleight of hand.
The pacing is brisk yet deliberate. The choreography—though subtle—plays an essential role in maintaining engagement; Wind’s movements around the stage create a dynamic visual experience that keeps your eyes glued to him. The set design is minimalistic and effective, allowing Wind’s magic to take center stage without distraction.
Incredibly Human explores themes of belief, trust, and the human condition—relevant topics in today’s society where skepticism often prevails. In a world inundated with information and deception, Wind invites you to suspend disbelief and embrace wonder. His playful acknowledgment of lying serves as both a reminder of magic’s nature and an invitation to explore deeper truths about ourselves.
As you watch Wind navigate these themes through his artful illusions, you may find yourself reflecting on your own capacity for belief—not just in magic but in human connections and experiences.
