Alan Chamo performs at the Colony Theatre Aug. 11 to 27.
Alan Chamo, a.k.a., M1ND H4CK3R is at the Colony Theater for a limited run Aug. 18 to 27. Born in Argentina and raised in Israel, Chamo now calls South Beach home, and performs his mind-bending feats in both English and Spanish around the world.
miamiartzine.com spoke with Chamo about his unusual act.
miamiartzine.com:Can you tell us how where you grew up influenced you?
Alan Chamo: Israel is an amazing country. It has everything condensed into a tiny land; desert, cities, mountains, rivers, access to two seas, and the smartest and most resilient people you will ever meet. Living there was not easy. It’s a very competitive place where most of the world's start-up companies and ideas are born. I think that the biggest influence was when I joined the Army. I was the first magician in the armed forces. I still don't know how I managed to convince them that they need a full-time magician.
maz: How did you get started in mind bending?
AC: I started to like magic at the age of 7 when I had a magician come to perform at my birthday party. That was my first encounter with magic up-close and personal. My uncle in Argentina used to do tricks and started showing me from time to time. When I lived in Israel, I joined the magician's association at the age of 13. That’s when I started to really get into it, and was performing at kid’s parties. I was getting paid $100 a show. For a kid, it was some serious cash!
maz: How did you know you could do mind bending?
AC:: Later in my career, I was intrigued by mentalism. It's something you learn and must practice. No one is born bending spoons. However, I believe that you do need to have some innate talent to excel in what you do, just like in any other performing arts or sports.
maz:: How long have you been performing?
AC: I have been performing for 27 years. I can't believe it!
maz: How does Miami/South Florida influence what you do?
AC: I believe Miami should be much more than going to the beach, restaurants and clubs. I want to bring different influences from other places to promote performing arts and shows of this kind. We have millions of tourists every year, so why don't we have more shows?
maz:: How would you describe your show?
Alan Chamo, a.k.a. M1ND H4CK3R
AC:: I describe M1ND H4CK3R as a sophisticated magic show for the mind. There are no hats, rabbits or shiny boxes. I barely use any props, and when I do it's normally something you can easily purchase. I focus my attention on the atmosphere of every part of the show using music, video and lighting.
maz: You entertain English and Spanish audiences. Are the audiences different?
AC: The main difference isn’t the language, but from the variety of countries and cultures in the audience. Americans are amazing, if you love them they will love you back big time, and the same for the Latin crowd.
maz: Can you talk about your most mind-boggling feat?
AC: I think I still haven't performed it. I'm always on the quest for the next mind-boggling illusion. The ending act of M1ND H4CK3R has been my biggest undertaking,, but we won’t know until show time.
maz: I want to hear about the life-threatening Russian Roulette. Can you tell me more about that?
AC: I could, but I prefer to keep some of the mystery for the show. But as the question states, it's a life-threatening Russian Roulette and every time I do it, I get very nervous.
maz: What is you highest achievement as an artist?
AC: Being in front of audiences regularly counts as the most rewarding achievement for every entertainer, no matter what you do. I love my audience and respect them. Doing a clean comedy mentalism show is my thing. Winning medals and trophies is great, but that doesn't live in your heart in the long run.
maz: Does the intimate 150-seating show that you are doing at the Colony make your show different?
Alan Chamo performs at the Colony Theater in a limited run engagement of M1ND H4CK3R.
AC: Absolutely! I'm surrounded by people on two sides, it's a big challenge for me. It gives the audience a chance to experience the show close to the action.
maz: What does it mean for audiences that they can be so close to the action?
AC: It gives them a sense of being an essential part of the show. They are not only there to watch but also participate if they choose so. It also means that every show is a bit different because the outcome depends on the audience choices.
M1ND H4CK3R runs Aug. 18 through 27 with performances Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. and in Spanish on Saturdays at 10 p.m. Tickets are $39 to $49. To get tickets, go to www.colonymb.org/mindhacker or call 800-211-1414.
