Vitaly Beckman is not your typical magician. Born in Belarus, he grew up in Israel, where he began practising magic at the age of 15. He moved to Vancouver in 2008, holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Israel's Technion Institute of Technology and claims to have never seen the TV show Chris Angel Mind Freak or the 1980s teen sex comedy Zapped! in which a fresh-faced Scott Baio attains telekinetic powers that allow him to gain control over bullies, lift up classmates skirts and render cheerleaders sweaterless. Beckman accepted our invitation to enter the Courier's magic kingdom and discuss his spiritually uplifting show Sensation of Magic Aug. 17-21 at Commercial Drive's Havana Theatre, paintbrushes that appear to paint on their own and Albert Einstein.

1. Vitaly Beckman is a great sounding name. What's the story behind it?

My first name is Russian, as I was born in the Soviet Union. I was almost called Misha when I was born, after my grandpa. But my mother insisted on Vitaly, which I'm quite happy with. Not sure about the history behind my last name... but sometimes people confuse it with Beckham... or Batman.

2. What brought you to Vancouver?

A plane.

3. In as brief and sexy a way possible, could you describe the kind of magic you perform?

I perform magic that has never been done before, that has some meaning behind it, that is artistic and hopefully uplifting and inspiring.

4. How does your magic differ from other magicians?

First of all, the illusions are unique and come from my own imagination. Second, I combine other art forms with the magic, like music, theatre and even painting. For example, there's an illusion involving Vincent van Gogh and a paintbrush that seems to paint on its own.

5. What about performing magic appeals to you?

It uplifts the spirit, and makes you believe that anything is possible. I also love interacting with the audience, which is a lot of fun. Unlike a painting, which can hang on the wall and have a life of its own, a performing art is only "alive" during a performance. And it is very satisfying to share my visions and creations with an audience in a live show.

6. In today's tech-savvy society, is it more difficult to wow audiences with magic tricks?

If it is performed as a magic trick, then maybe. But if one makes out of it a piece of theatre that can move people and make them dream, then I believe it is timeless. I believe that magic is a sensation, a feeling. It's not about technology. And perhaps the more technical the world becomes the more people will have the need to experience wonder and mystery.

7. What makes a good magic trick?

What makes a good play or a good painting? It is a lot of things and it is subjective. For me, besides having a good performer to perform it, it should be amazing, entertaining, uplifting, sometimes moving and hopefully inspiring. It should make you dream.

8. Is there a style of magic you dislike?

Not really. In the past, I used to think that I won't enjoy a show performed only with cards, or with gross and disgusting elements in it, but a good performer can make anything work. So there are no rules.

9. Why should people come out and see your show Sensation of Magic?

I'll quote you Albert Einstein on this one: "The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious." Also, the feats in the show are the result of years of creation, and cannot be seen elsewhere. For example, I will attempt to read borrowed newspapers from a distance of 50 feet, will make people disappear from ordinary photographs and appear on another, and will turn drawings into reality, among many other things. And the intimate, 60 seat theatre, allows the audience to experience the magic from just a few feet away!

10. What's the most mysterious thing about you?

It is so mysterious that even I do not know.

For more info, go to www.SensationOfMagic.com.

mkissinger@vanourier.com