Paul Draper – A World of Pure Imagination
March 13th, 2009
Paul Draper doesn’t want you to be awed by his magical powers; he wants you to be awed by your own.
As first a student and then a university-level instructor and guest lecturer, Draper has a rich and extensive academic background in magical shamanism, religion, poltergeists and other supernatural fields. Draper calls himself a cultural anthropologist. “What is an anthropologist?” he asks rhetorically. “It’s a person who goes into a culture, observes what they do and then translates the information to others, to bring a sense of society, understanding and belonging.”
And that is exactly what Paul Draper does. Applying his thorough knowledge of human behavior, he takes the audience on a theatrical, mystical, magical journey, exploring the mind and things outside of technology. “I’m the guy who talks to people about imagination and working together.” In a world where doom and gloom is the standard, and where human interaction seems to have been replaced by the anonymity and cold impersonality of computer communications, Draper inspires his audience to actually talk to each other, to reach out and relate – to empathize with each other.
What he offers is a collective experience. An intelligent and compassionate performer, Draper integrates his goodwill toward his fellow human beings by including a segment which encourages audience members to interact not only with him, but with each other. The stand-out “Super Memory” portion of the show invites participation when Draper requests “10 random items,” chosen from among those called out by enthusiastic audience members. Draper then turns the audience into amateur mentalists, as he assists them in liberating the hidden powers of their own minds. Long-forgotten pop culture slogans, products and services associated with the original “10 random items” are transformed from the formerly tucked away to top-of-mind anew, as memories spring forth from the astonished crowd. Strangers excitedly turn to each other to practice their newly-found skills, the common bond of imagination having broken down social barriers. Suddenly, there are no more strangers, just human beings trying to relate, empathize with and understand each other. This is the inherent gift Paul Draper bestows upon each audience.
Not only does he delight and inspire with his magical illusions, he also incorporates his considerable vocal talents into his performances. The warmth and magical wonderment of childhood is instantly recalled and palpable when Draper sings the iconic song “Pure Imagination” from the movie classic “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” perfectly complimenting the illusions he performs at the same time.
Empowering all in attendance with the belief that they, too, have it within themselves to divine other-worldly power and knowledge – and then providing them the tools and instruction to do so – Draper teaches each person that the mystery of magic is also the mystery of life.
PAUL DRAPER is proudly represented by Expert Performers and available for Corporate Event bookings Worldwide.
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Categories: Mentalist
