Theo first discovered the art of magic and illusions when he came to Paris in ’92 looking for a job. He was a computer engineer who loved electronics and science fiction… He began to play with the art of classic magic but was not satisfied - he wanted to experiment with something truly different.
In '97 whilst thinking about science fiction acts, he started to imagine creating magic effects with light… he was inspired when watching a mime scene by a magician called Jeff McBride - in it he was touching a cone of light, made visible with smoke effects, as if it was a solid object.
From there Theo began dreaming and experimenting. He played with ideas of bending light, cutting and then restoring it. He brain stormed for several months with other French magicians – what sort of an act could they create? Then came the inspiration: using lasers he would be able to ‘hold’ the light in his hands. After several months of research he created a new prototype using laser pointers. The result was unexpected - suddenly all the effects he had been dreaming of became possible. New ideas far beyond his original ones began to emerge. After building and experimenting with different versions of the laser pointer at varying power levels he was ready. He had created the first Laserman magical act.
Théo DARIHe became a full time Laserman professional in 2000, concentrating solely on his show. Word spread and he began performing the act across Europe . He patented the Laserman idea and continued dreaming …
In 2002, Theo began working with a producer for a new concept – Laserman 3D. Incorporating a laser projector head and software he was able to create new effects that pushed the concept of his show into the world of 3D.
In 2003, the Laserman act received international acclaim. Theo was honoured with the Silver Wand Award at the Monte-Carlo Magic Stars and later that year he received a highly coveted First Place ILDA Award for Special Applications at the ILDA (International Laser Display Association) conference in Brussels – the equivalent of an Oscar in the world of lasers!
In 2004, he trained three substitute performers, “The Replicants”, in response to the high demand for his show and a request for an annual tour of French discotheques. The corporate market was also demanding his services - a market in which he was becoming well known and was being utilised as a symbol for the future, for progress and creativity.
