Culture
Peter Marvey, a world of magic Made in Switzerland
In the 1970´s, 80´s and 90´s when one thought of magic and illusions, David Copperfield or Siegfried & Roy came to mind. Today Peter Marvey is in the spotlight. He is the most well-known and successful magician on the planet. Marvey performed in over 50 countries from the Las Vegas Caesar Palace, the Dresden Semperopera to the Zurich Hallenstadion. Millions of tele-spectators and spectators such as queens, kings and princes saw or attended his shows.
Peter Marvey – copyright Marvey
Marvey is Swiss, born in the Canton of Zurich and lives in Feusisberg, where a decade ago he opened the Magic House. From Dec 5th to the 31st he will be on the stage of the Maag Halle in Zurich with his new show “Peter Marvey & Friends.”
But who is Peter Marvey? How did he arrive to who he is today? What does it take to be a great magician? That is what Vivamost tried to find out. We met Peter at the Maag last week in full rehearsal for the show. While we talked a big crew of technicians and directors was busy testing sounds, lights and setting up the illusion tools. The magic diamond illusion stood on the center of the stage.
Peter Marvey and dancers in his diamond – credits Peter Marvey
Professionally it all began for Marvey 26 years ago when in 1993 he won his first competition. At the beginning it was just a hobby, explained Peter. As a child he wanted to be a veterinarian or a clown in a circus with an elephant. When he was six years old he lived his first magical experience. Then came the magic box and at age 14 he received a magic book. This was a turning point. Marvey studied architecture paralled to his magic shows and world travels. Finally he decided to follow his success and it was in the magic world.
Marvey worked hard, learnt on his own, went to shows and talked to friends´magicians. He took a few classes 2 hours a week as there are no schools anywhere in the world for magic. He used his time to think, be creative and invent. It was something he was used to as his father, a physician in Zurich, was constantly building things at home. Sometimes he had like a “father” watching over him but never responsible for his magic. Marvey made a comparison with Edison, who didn’t have a mentor to tell him how to be creative. He just was.
Peter Marvey mid air – credits Peter Marvey
Does the master of illusions believe in predestination? Well talents and skills are both needed to succeed but there are always things which can be learned, he said. Talent sometimes has to be discovered.Other factors are important for a show to function well such as music, lights, choreography, timing, great imagination and of course psychology.
While about 30 to 45 people are working for him on this upcoming show at the beginning everything starts with Marvey. He shows he is multi-talented and nothing can stop him from choosing the music pieces to taking care of the lighting. As soon as the initial creative part is over he requires the help of an engineer and technicians.
During the entire time we talked Marvey remained calm, focused, smiling and showing that creativity is his motor that everything is possible so long as you take time to think. Then he invents. Vivi Vega, the choreography director, stresses he only shows things he invented himself such as the Diamond and flying illusions. It is always a great moment when he shows his illusions to a crowd, he says proudly, because it is something he works on for so long, sometimes years. Being calm is something he learnt with time. He said it is necessary for the show to succeed and for the entire team. Too many things can go wrong so it is important to stay concentrated.
While Marvey declared a preference for performing illusions to magic tricks because illusions are dreams related, he did say both are needed. A balance between big illusions with small but funny interactive magic tricks is necessary.
Peter Marvey and Friends – credits Peter Marvey
Have you ever wondered if illusions can be dangerous for the one performing them? Marvey stressed there is always a little risk and many magicians have died working on their illusions. However all of the safety procedures are taken so that nothing happens.
And what about if Marvey´s magical powers would disappear one morning or something would happen to him, how would he reinvent himself? He didn´t seem to be disturbed with the idea and quite serenely said that if he could not teach magic to students he would accept the new era in his life. He beautifully finished by saying “life can change at any moment so the only thing you can do is enjoy more what you are doing now.”
