Over the past several years, I've had the pleasure of
getting to know William Corey, and on many occasions, being
witness to what he calls Psychodynamic Entertainment. Some may
call him "magician", "storyteller", "speaker" or "counselor" but,
as you will see, he has transcended these labels, bursting the
bounds of pre-conceived notions.
His approach to his life and art is definitely unique. Perhaps
this is due to his parents' artistic abilities and creative look
at the world that has helped them in their career. Perhaps it was
having experienced the passing on of loved ones while William was
young, or maybe his constant search for life's understanding and
meaning perpetuated not only by his love of learning, but the
legends, lore, customs and traditions of Louisiana's Greater-New
Orleans area in which he was born and raised.
Perhaps it was a combination of all these things which gave
William the sense that there was more than what the five senses
could relate to. So, he delved into the performance aspect of
magic but became disillusioned with the role most conjurers
portray, a role that had been accentuated by the quote, "a
magician is an actor playing the part of a magician."
William believes that magicians must understand the concepts,
beliefs and philosophies that are at work in the universe,
thereby becoming true magicians. "It is unfortunate," William
states, "magicians, for the most part, have lost their sense of
awe and wonderment. They seem to believe more in a trick than in
a power greater than themselves."
William's view of this
performing art is different. He has delved into a myriad of
beliefs, philosophies, cultures and religions in order to grasp
what he refers to as the "magic of the world." This is evident
when he is speaking, performing or giving consultations to
others. Yet, the question remains, is the public ready for this
type of entertainment? This question plagued William as well, so
to find out, he went to the streets of New Orleans and Atlanta
for two years, living only off the tips received by those who
stopped, watched and listened to him. He felt that if he could
survive there, then he could turn his art into his career - and he
has.
I have seen him perform at a number of locations and venues
across the southern United States, including the riverboat
Natchez, on stage at the Orpheum Theater, as well as a number of
private parties, fairs, festivals, conventions and trade
shows.
In my opinion, watching and listening to William is like opening
a window into the realms of philosophy and mystery once cherished
long ago but now has sadly been replaced with the empty notion of
living only for the moment. His primary concern is not in gaining
fame or fortune, but in helping others regain the wonderment lost
in life's daily routine.
William is not the parlor-trick variety magician, but the showman and the shaman as one,
the archetypical magician figure, the manipulator of the forces
of life. I've seen his audiences turn silent when the lights were
dimmed around them. I've seen his performances move men and women
to tears, children freeze in their seats and how faces of busy
people full of concern turn to contemplation, perhaps forgetting
for a moment the hustle and bustle of their daily lives.
Experience William's magical world and I'm sure that he will not only make you think and wonder, but he will also touch the soul in a way that no other performer in this day and age has.
"Through the shadowy dreamscapes of your performance we have been transformed by the mystical. I will not question how but delight in the mental mutations you have left us with. Bravo William!"
- Kat
(audience member)