Derek DelGaudio's In & Of Itself

I’m glad I took some time to process “Derek DelGaudio’s In & Of Itself” before writing down my thoughts.

It’s hard to describe this thing. It blends magic and autobiographical drama into something unique. The magic DelGaudio uses is a storytelling device, not a destination. There aren’t “tricks” in the traditional sense, though there are impressive reveals.

I suppose this is magic as group therapy.

It’s quite compelling to watch. DelGaudio looks like he’s lived a life–he’s a bit haunted–and his performance takes place in an intimate theater where you’re always a little worried he’s going to share too much of himself. Everything about this performance is quiet, which means every creak of the stage and shuffle of playing cards is louder and, by extension, more meaningful. In that sense it reminds me (oddly) of the quieter scenes in Michael Mann films–there’s an immersion that comes from stillness that’s entrancing. That same immersion is at play here.