Asi Wind: Inner Circle
Magician extraordinare Asi Wind (Joan Marcus)
(Posted 2/10/23) By Fern Siegel
There is magic — and there is the man David Blaine calls “the magician’s magician.” That’s where Asi Wind comes in.
The Israeli-born Asi Betesh, known professionally as Asi Wind, astounds even his peers. Now off-Broadway at the Judson Theater in Greenwich Village, Inner Circle boasts sleight-of-hand mastery that defines the wow factor.
Happily, the show has been extended until Sept. 3.
Wind is part mentalist/part card trick extraordinaire. He always picks the right card — literally out of thin air — even as theatergoers sit just inches away.
The setting is key. Wind doesn’t rely on technical wizardry. He sits in the middle of a circular table in an intimate setting. Designed by Adam Blumenthal, the space houses several tiers of seats as the audience watches Wind from above, save for those placed around his table. As we take our seats, ushers ask us to write our names and initials on playing cards.
What Wind does with those cards is nothing short of astounding. And his act is accompanied by an easy charm and gentle humor. The handsome Wind bonds with his audience, while showcasing his singular craft.
The L.A.-based magician shares elements of his own story, adding his admiration for his mentors, including Juan Tamariz, Chan Canasta and the man who started it all: Harry Houdini. From Houdini, Wind learned to ratchet up the drama. He meticulously builds his tricks, often with the audience’s participation, until the climatic moment. Often, you can’t believe your eyes. And therein lies what’s really behind magic: illusion.
Like all great magicians, Wind is an illusionist. But his audience cares only for the magic — and he delivers in spectacular fashion.
Betesh reminds us that like Houdini, he is an immigrant Jew who came to the U.S. The name change, which both Houdini, born Erik Weisz, and Betesh employ, underscores a larger truth: We can become whoever we want.
Inner Circle is a potent reminder that amazement is a gift. Cards are Wind’s strong suit — but his real talent is the ability to captivate us in a world of wonder.