Bobby Motta is the mentalist and mind reader who gives a performance you have to see to Bobby Motta is the mentalist and mind reader who gives a performance you have to see to believe. Canadaʼs own master of the unknown earns props from celebrities here and abroad astounding stars like Russell Crowe and Nelly Furtado. His incredible ingenuity and stage effects have also made him one of the industry’s most sought-out consultants behind the scenes.
We had an opportunity to interview Bobby. Check out the interview below.
Hi, Bobby! How did you become a mentalist?
My mother was bitten by a gypsy…okay maybe not. The evolution into mentalism for me was a slow and painful process. It took me 8 years to realize fancy boxes and doves were not my things. My strengths lie in connecting with my audience and interpersonal dialogue. Soon I realized that I had a gift for being able to connect on a deep level with my audience. This is an integral part of mentalism.
Describe mentalism.
Mentalism is the art of creating the illusion of mind reading, clairvoyance, divination, recognition, psychokinesis and mind control. To sum it up its magic and illusions for the mind.
How would you describe your style?
My style as a mentalist is a bit different than your classic mentalist with a suit and tie. I prefer to blend with my audience and stay casual. I have been told my style is edgy. I love fashion so for me I choose clothes depending on how I feel and styles that I love. As for the performing side, as a creator, most of my effects are original to me and I am always trying to reinvent and add new material to keep things fresh for my fans and clients. I believe my style is unique to me and a reflection of my personality.
Do you ever come across those who consider mentalism taboo?
All the time. And I love watching them scratch their heads. They’re always the first ones to come to me after my show and ask if I’m for real?
What’s the difference between being a magician and a mentalist?
A magician demonstrates to the audience a performance that is more visual and focuses primarily on changing the perception of physical reality. A mentalist explores with the audience and the focus is very much on the mind, using very few props if any at all. I have done an entire performance without any props, just using my environment and the people in it. It was one of my best shows.
Do you draw from personal experiences to create your shows?
Yes, it keeps the material organic and relatable, which I find is the key to keeping the audience engaged. Life has many opportunities to think beyond the obvious and I love to touch on that throughout my show to open perspectives to the idea that there is something more that connects us together. Not to mention, I have quite a history, which I don’t mind sharing… at my show. I find non-fiction more interesting, don’t you?
What is your most favorite experience in your career to date?
One of my favorite memories is being approached by a gentleman on the street in Toronto. He knew exactly who I was and said he’d seen my show 8 years ago, pulled out his wallet and showed me a paper he saved from the night of the show. He looked at me and said the show changed his perspective and he kept that paper in his wallet as a reminder.
List the 5 things you need to have with you on a stage.
My wedding ring, a Sharpie, business cards, nice shoes and Tic Tacs.
Do you have any upcoming projects that we haven’t mentioned?
I have an out-of-town show in Picton, Ontario on July 16, 2017, and will be traveling throughout Canada this year to Ottawa, Vancouver and a couple other provinces so keep a look out. I am also working on my biggest project to date which will be a run in a Toronto-based theater in the coming year. I am very excited for that one.
Complete this sentence, if I had an opportunity to change anything, I would change ___________.
If I had an opportunity to change anything, I would change the world into a more peaceful, greedless and loving planet. It is a fact that there are enough natural resources on this planet for all humans to live a life of abundance without any reason for poverty, war, and genocide.
Connect with Bobby:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bobbymotta
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/BobbyMotta
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/BobbyMotta
Web: http://www.bobbymotta.com
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