Asi Wind brings More Than Magic to Sydney
For Israeli-born magician Asi Wind, magic is not about fooling people. It is about reaching them. Speaking to J-Wire during his first visit to Sydney, Asi explains how magic can serve as a rare bridge between strangers, allowing them to lower their guard and experience something deeply human.
“My love is not for magic. My love is to connect with people,” he said. “You meet somebody, they’re guarded, and you do a trick, and everything melts away.”
Wind’s belief that magic is fundamentally about connection rather than illusion has defined a career that has taken him from birthday parties in Israel to sold-out theatres in New York, London and now the Sydney Opera House.
Widely regarded as one of the finest close-up magicians in the world, Wind was named Magician of the Year in 2022 by the prestigious Academy of Magical Arts, an honour previously awarded to legends including David Copperfield and Penn & Teller.
His Off-Broadway show ‘Inner Circle’ was a sold-out success, and his West End production ‘Incredibly Human’ ran for six months, cementing his reputation as one of the leading theatrical magicians of his generation.
His appearance on ‘Penn & Teller: Fool Us’ became one of the most viral performances in the show’s history, attracting more than 18 million views online, while his magic has astonished celebrities including Whoopi Goldberg and Kelly Clarkson. The New York Times has described him as “a master at the top of his game”, reflecting the extraordinary regard he commands within the profession.
Magician Asi Wind at Bondi Beach
Yet Wind’s path to global acclaim began with a far simpler goal: overcoming his own shyness.
As a child growing up in Holon, near Tel Aviv, he was socially withdrawn and struggled to engage with others.
“I was shy, timid. Magic offered me something that nothing else did. It was a shortcut to opening the door, to meeting people,” he told J-Wire.
Magic gave him a sense of control and identity. His early tricks allowed him to interact with classmates in ways he never had before.
Wind moved to New York at 21. Although he was already a recognised magician in Israel, he had to begin again from the ground up. He performed on the streets of Washington Square Park, earning tips while learning how to engage audiences quickly.
“You need, in a very short time, to convince people that it’s worth stopping whatever they’re doing in their lives and spending time with you,” he said.
To survive, he performed at children’s parties, gradually building a reputation within New York’s competitive magic community.
His career took a decisive turn after he met David Blaine, one of the most influential magicians of modern times. Wind went on to serve as Blaine’s chief consultant for more than a decade, contributing to his television specials and live productions and helping guide his evolution from street performer to theatre artist.
“We worked together on his TV shows and his live shows. It was the most exciting thing ever,” Wind told J-Wire.
Despite his global success, Wind remains focused on the emotional impact of magic rather than its technical mechanics. His shows are highly interactive, often involving audience members directly, and he sees his role as creating an experience rather than demonstrating skill.
“They want to see magic. I’m only there to help them,” he explains.
Wind believes magic has particular importance in an era of division and polarisation.
“Magic brings people from all walks of life to one room. Different religions, different ideas, and they become one,” he said.
His experiences growing up in Israel, including living with the threat of terrorism and bombings, have shaped his worldview and reinforced his belief in the importance of human connection.
“We had gas masks, every kid had one,” he states. “I still refuse to believe that people can be this evil,” referencing the attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and the recent terror attack at Bondi Beach.
Wind’s current production, ‘More Than Magic’, reflects his broader artistic philosophy. The 80-minute show blends illusion with storytelling, exploring themes of identity, perception and human connection. He describes it not simply as a magic show but as a theatrical experience.
“It’s not just about tricks. There are biographical elements and a point of view about the world,” he said.
“I identify as a Jew, as an Israeli, and I really hope that at least my little contribution in my show is that I make people feel like we’re all under the same umbrella,” concludes Wind.
‘Asi Wind: More Than Magic’ is playing at the Sydney Opera House Playhouse from 23 February to 1 March 2026. Tickets and performance details are available at www.sydneyoperahouse.com.
