Opsis by Craig Logan

“I really appreciate Craig’s insights. Everything in this book is practical for real-world use, which is rare these days. His presentation for the CT is outstanding and incredibly creative!” – Nico Heinrich

“This collection is truly remarkable. These are not just ideas for the bookshelf enthusiast. The routines and concepts presented here are essential for every mentalist. Opsis includes routines that significantly enhance audience interaction, the most vital aspect of our performances.” – Steve Wachner

Craig breathes new life into traditional techniques, transforming spectators into active participants. His engaging presentations ensure that the audience doesn’t just witness something extraordinary; they become part of it. This book features Craig’s reflections on mentalism alongside several highly interactive routines.

Opsis – The titular essay introduces theatrical and storytelling concepts into close-up mentalism, offering tips to make presentations more memorable and to engage the audience emotionally.

Hearsay – A deceptively simple liar/truth-teller routine that sparks conversation among your audience. You’ll always know who’s lying, making it an ideal opener!

Radio Radio – In this “second sound” experiment, you can hear what a participant is thinking and reveal their chosen song. The subtle nuances make this demonstration incredibly convincing.

Review:

I recently acquired Craig’s book and am impressed with the material. Many performers today complicate their methods, which can detract from a good performance. Craig takes the opposite approach, crafting two excellent routines with straightforward techniques. The first is a liar/truth-teller plot that emphasizes presentation without any questions asked—a common issue I’ve encountered with other methods. The second routine, a thought-of song, also prioritizes presentation!

While some may argue that methods should be intricate and flashy, I believe Craig’s work is for those who appreciate simplicity and effectiveness. If you’re interested in transforming simple ideas into powerful routines, this book is a must-read! I look forward to exploring more of Craig’s concepts.

Radio Radio is a beautifully simple yet elegant routine, perfect for captivating audiences. Although it may not be propless as I initially expected, the deliberate language creates a hypnotic experience, allowing participants to visualize their auditory signals. The method becomes irrelevant to the audience, which Craig effectively demonstrates.

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The essay offers valuable insights that I wholeheartedly agree with. Hearsay presents a refreshing take on an old, underutilized technique that works every time. Radio Radio showcases a classic technique enhanced with subtle details that increase its deceptive power.

If you’re seeking innovative methods, this may not be for you. However, if you’re looking for practical presentations of classic techniques, you’ll find this book enjoyable.

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I found the essay intriguing and thought-provoking. Hearsay is my favorite for its clean and elegant premise and method. Radio Radio features delightful subtleties that I plan to incorporate into my other routines. Overall, I loved this book and eagerly anticipate more from Craig!