Hong Kong-bound magician Luis de Matos on difference between illusion and magic

Having been seen by audiences in more than 200 cities in 25 countries, The Illusionists is finally coming to Hong Kong in April, showcasing the mind-boggling tricks of eight magicians. Leading the pack will be “Master Magician” Luis de Matos, who is one of the most successful entertainers to have come out of Portugal. He talked to SCMP.com ahead of the shows.

Are there any differences between an “illusionist” and a “magician”?

I like to use the words trick, illusion and magic in order to explain what I do. For me these three mean different things. I use tricks like the musician uses instruments. Tricks can be invisible threads, mirrors, special boxes, trap doors and remote controls. Then with those tricks, I create illusions. Something that appears to be flying, but it’s not; something that appears to be cut but it’s not.

And then comes magic, and magic is the most important thing. For me, magic is only possible when we are able to gain the trust of the spectators. Because if I’m rehearsing at home, I’m able to use tricks and create illusions, but magic only happens when I already have the trust of the spectators, when they allow me to challenge their ability to dream, their imagination, that we might be able to achieve – the suspension of disbelief.

And for a moment, the spectators know what I’m doing is not true. I’m a liar, but I’m very honest about it. I say the box is empty, and it’s not empty, but it looks empty. Once the spectators understand how we are going to communicate, we can together go on a ride, and do a wonderful trick and experience the wonder.

Do you consider yourself a magician or an illusionist, then?