Experiencing Borrowed Time
I’m a naturally curious person. I’m open to all sorts of things and am truly lucky this blog takes me places I’ve never been before. It allows me to to experience things I might never have on my own. Recently, I had one such experience with Borrowed Time.
If you’re wondering what on Earth I’m talking about you’re not alone. I’m still not sure myself. I suppose I should start at the beginning.
A couple of weeks ago I was approached with an offer to attend Borrowed Time – a limited engagement experience offering an immersive night of magic. Curious, I agreed knowing very little of what the show was about. I didn’t even know where it was. I was told it’s general vicinity and was assured I would receive the exact address on the date of the show. I reviewed the website but still wasn’t sure what exactly I was going to experience although I did know who I was going to see.
This is Helder Guimarães. He’s an experienced magician with an impressive resume. Youngest World Champion of Card Magic. Parlour Magician of the Year. Worldwide performer of critically acclaimed shows. With credentials like that I assumed I’d be in for something special.
On the day of the show, as promised, I received the address for the show. When I looked it up on on the map I was surprised as it was not what I had envisioned. Still, I kept an open mind and headed into the Los Angeles night. I arrived at the location and after an initial moment of confusion I entered Borrowed Time.
I was ensconced in a mysterious world filled with cabinets of wonder and shelves of curiosity. I spent a period exploring my surroundings and becoming acclimated to the world of illusion. With me were approximately 20 other people who were also exploring the area. Before we knew it it was time for us to meet Mr. Guimarães.
For the next 2 hours we were treated to an interactive array of close up magic. Since we were an intimate group each of us had a chance to take part in the increasingly elaborate series of illusions. And I mean elaborate. We were pulled in to stories and tales of past and present and before we knew it something fantastical happened right before our eyes. Helder Guimarães has an impressive resume for a reason. He’s truly a master of his craft and puts on a fascinating performance. He is both personable and mysterious putting you at ease at one moment and surprising you the next.
Before I knew it the evening was over and I had completed my Borrowed Time. I then spent the drive home trying to figure out just what I had experienced. Whatever it was I won’t soon forget it.