272 pages
2024
By sharing his experiences, reflections, and techniques, Markobi offers an invaluable source of inspiration for magicians of all levels.
"Stairway" is much more than a simple book on magic; it is an initiatory journey into the fascinating world of the FISM world champion: Markobi. Although it may seem specialized, this book is designed for everyone: whether you come from stage magic or close-up, whether you like cards or not, whether you are passionate about competition or not. Written during a pivotal and very eventful period of his career, the author reveals the secrets of his meticulous preparation and his rise to the world champion title.
This book stands out by its unique approach, blending techniques and theory, personal reflections and practical advice to help magicians refine their craft, gain a fresh perspective, and create unforgettable performances.
In Stairway, Markobi shares not only his techniques and tips but also his philosophy of magic. For him, cards and other props are merely tools to evoke deep emotions and create moments of intense connection with his audience.
He describes how each performance is a unique sensory and emotional experience, where gestures and words are carefully orchestrated to amaze and move. The book is divided into several chapters detailing the different stages of creating and refining the routine. Markobi guides us through his creative process. He explores the psychological and technical challenges encountered when preparing a magic routine, offering practical advice to overcome obstacles and continuously improve performances.
In addition to his personal reflections, Markobi invites us to discover the backstage of his FISM routine, a masterpiece of magic that earned him the world champion title. Delving into the theory behind each trick, he addresses the “whys” and “hows” by revealing the secrets of his character, the creation of a captivating atmosphere, and the importance of improvisation to adapt to the audience’s reactions.
Markobi details some key techniques from his repertoire while explaining how he manipulates perceptions to maintain the illusion of controlled chaos. Each sequence, meticulously orchestrated, leads to a spectacular climax.
By sharing his psychological strategies and conditioning tips, Markobi today offers an invaluable source of inspiration and know-how. Immerse yourself in this fascinating exploration and discover, through Markobi’s magic, how exemplary rigor can transform a performance into an unforgettable experience.
"Stairway" offers an invaluable source of inspiration and a wealth of precious advice for those seeking to refine their craft and create memorable performances. There is no doubt this book will accompany you on your own ascent to new heights.
Some chapters in detail:
The Creative Process: Markobi delves into his creative process, emphasizing the importance of the notebook. For him, a notebook is an indispensable companion that allows capturing and organizing raw ideas. He explains how to fill this notebook without restraint and how to use these notes to develop innovative and memorable routines.
Layering Dreams and Reality: One of the key concepts of the book is the idea of layering dreams and reality. Markobi describes how to draw inspiration from his dreams to create performances that transcend everyday reality. He shares techniques to narrow the gap between these two worlds and uses concrete examples to illustrate how this approach can enrich creativity and motivation.
Analysis and Structure of Routines: The book offers a detailed method for analyzing magic performances, both successful and failed. Markobi studied many winning routines to identify common elements that contribute to their success. He offers practical advice to integrate these elements into one’s own work, stressing the importance of originality and authenticity.
Tools and Points of Caution: Markobi also explores the technical and psychological aspects of preparing a routine. He discusses public practice, managing the ego, fears and limits, and the importance of resilience in the face of challenges. He proposes practical exercises to overcome obstacles and constantly improve performances.
Competition Preparation: Markobi offers specific advice on mental and physical preparation. He speaks of the importance of rituals and gentle superstitions, stress management, and physiological parameters to consider before a performance. Markobi is convinced that, although competition serves here as a study framework, everyone can apply the developed concepts to many other fields.
FISM Routine: Finally, Markobi shares a detailed analysis of his FISM routine, with explanations on the theory behind each step, the structure of the performance, and the artistic and technical choices he made. He offers a unique insight into the rigor and creativity required to create a routine awarded at the world championship.
"Stairway" is more than a simple magic book; it is an introspective journey into the mind of a passionate and perfectionist magician. By sharing his experiences, reflections, and techniques, Markobi offers an invaluable source of inspiration for magicians of all levels.