Exclusive Interview with Illusionist Andrew Basso: The Heir to Houdini Who Recreated the Most Dangerous Magic Trick

Illusionist Andrew Basso

Andrew Basso is currently the only person to have staged Houdini’s most dangerous magic trick in history, the “Water Torture Cell.” Known as the “Rock Star of Magic” and the “True Heir to Houdini,” this illusionist makes the impossible seem possible. In an online interview, Andrew Basso spoke with our journalist about his native Italy, his profession, books, the Academy of Magic, and shared memories of his trip to Minsk.

On the Beginnings: “Growing Up in a Small Town, I Learned to Dream Big”

We began our conversation with the topic of homeland. What associations does the phrase “native sky” evoke for you?

I grew up in Borgo Valsugana, a small town in northern Italy with a population of about 7-8 thousand people. It’s a very peaceful place surrounded by mountains and free from noisy events. I think it was the beautiful emptiness and the rhythm of this quiet place that helped me find both physical and psychological peace. I am very attached to my roots, and it is this small town that is the key to my dream and everything I have achieved so far. I will return to how it all began…

Here, as a child, I began to dream about my future shows and magic. Growing up in a small town, I learned to dream big. It’s always nice to return to my hometown, as it reminds me of my roots, my childhood when I dreamed of immersing myself in magic, who I am, and who I was before I became successful.

Despite traveling a lot and having visited many beautiful cities around the world, including Minsk, it is extremely important for me to return and see the “native sky” again, to breathe in the air of my city.

Did you, as a boy from a small town, want to achieve something greater?

I think so. When we live in a modest place, we sometimes lie to ourselves, thinking, “It’s a shame I don’t live in New York. It’s a shame I don’t have certain opportunities…” But if a person really wants something, they will definitely reach their goal, no matter how much money or opportunities they have. It doesn’t matter what family or city you come from. The main thing is how much effort you are willing to put in to achieve what you want. I understood this through my own example.

My family was completely ordinary. Since childhood, I saw how hard it was for my parents to pay for electricity and rent. My mother wanted me to study diligently and find a decent, well-paying job. And my father supported my passion for magic in every possible way.

It doesn’t matter what family or city you come from. The main thing is how much effort you are willing to put in to achieve what you want.

I really wanted to fulfill my dream, was stubborn, and did not intend to deviate from the chosen path. I think that neither a modest family income nor a small town are obstacles to making dreams a reality.

Everyone has their own life path: some were born in a more or less favorable environment, some were less lucky, but in the end, everything depends on the person themselves and their willingness to sacrifice something on the way to their goal. Everything depends solely on the energy you put into your work.

About Italy: “Most People in Italy Even Go to the Store Carefully Planning What to Wear”

It is believed that European civilization originated in Italy, specifically in the Roman Empire. What is it like to be Italian? Do you feel the so-called Italian “power”?

I always joke about this. In Italy, there is a saying: “Rome is the capital of the world.” The Roman Empire really sought to expand its territory and conquer the world. I think this thirst for space is embedded in me at a genetic level.

No matter how big my house, hotel room, or dressing room is. Sometimes these can be large rooms, sometimes smaller, but I will occupy all the space available to me, every corner. At such moments, it seems as if there are several dozen people in the dressing room, but in reality, I am alone there.

So, I think the Roman Empire has not passed without a trace and has left in me the desire to constantly “conquer” territory.

As for national character traits, we Italians are very sociable and love to maintain contact with people, hug. We are very friendly; Italians are people who will gladly welcome you into their family and circle of friends.

Our attitude to life is special. From the point of view of human relationships, we have much in common with Spaniards and Latin Americans. When I return to Italy, I realize how much I missed our way of life, because in other countries people live more detached from each other. I love Italy and Italians.

Italians are considered a very stylish nation with a great sense of fashion.

Perhaps the ability to be stylish and follow fashion is in the blood of Italians, except for me. For Italians, it is very important to dress well; it is quite natural to know how to combine tops, bottoms, and shoes.

Most people in Italy even go to the store carefully planning what to wear. Style and fashion are inherent traits of Italians. Of course, we must not forget about Milan, the world capital of fashion.

About Books: “I Never Thought I Would Write a Book. And It Became a Bestseller”

In one of the interviews, you said that you mainly read books about the history of magic and various tricks. How about fiction? What authors and books inspire you?

I have always read literature of a narrow focus, mainly for educational purposes. And I did not consider books as a way to relax and unwind. I was not a very good student at school. At that time, reading fiction did not interest me, but magic was a different story.

As a child, I organized small shows, and all the money I earned was spent on books from which I tried to get as much information about magic as possible. I devoured books on the history of magic, about magicians, their tricks, about Houdini and his “escapes.” I grew up on these books.

But over time, I began to read more literature on other topics. It seemed to me that there is still so much unexplored in the world that I would like to learn about and that would help expand the horizons of my consciousness and imagination.

For example, one of these books is “Zen in the Art of Archery” by Eugen Herrigel. This book helped me in the process of working on my show. Yes, I train a lot, but the most important thing is the spiritual component. When I immerse myself in a container of water, this is the very moment of “zen” when I need to find myself. It was this book that guided me and helped me become better.

How do you prepare to go on stage to avoid stress and all kinds of fears?

In addition to fear and stress, I know that in a few minutes I will be performing in front of a multi-thousand audience. Many people experience fear of public speaking. Of course, over time I have become accustomed to such shows, but we are all human, and when performing in front of a new audience, there is a feeling that you are doing it for the first time.

Fear should not be avoided but learned to be controlled. To get in the mood, I need to find a quiet place where I can be alone and concentrate. I need to find a moment of peace and quiet, and then I can go on stage and give my best.