Teller decided to not speak during performances partly because he didn’t want to do “redundant” Magic Patter and partly because he believes that without speaking, he can make his magic act
“I get no credit or blame for Teller not speaking,” Penn says. “Teller speaks very well, but he decided to work silently in magic, because he was working rough environments where he was apt to be heckled. And Teller just thought if he was quiet, they’d grow weary of heckling him.”
Fortunately, in 2013 Teller was caught talking. According to magician Teller, there are three reasons why he doesn’t speak: Silence minimizes heckling. The best magic doesn’t need words.
Despite his public persona being mute, in private, illusionist Raymond is not mute ( Tellers real name is Raymond Joseph Teller). According to zoom party magician Jon Finch, yes, in private, the magician Teller speaks. In public, rarely. Here’s what rarely means: In the latest 53 years, there have been only three instances of Teller talking.
Why did Penn and Teller speak?
The second reason—magic doesn’t need words. In short, he found the concept of patter superfluous. His third reason was that it heightens the focus of both the audience and also the performer, thus enhancing the magical entertainment.
According to zoom party magician Jon Finch, yes, in private the magician Teller speaks. In public , rarely. Here’s what rarely means: In the latest 53 years, there have been only three instances of Teller talking. And his voice does not sound like a kazoo.
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