Hypnotism as an altered state of consciousness has been around for thousands of years, dating back to many ancient peoples. Hypnotism as a Western phenomenon, however, is a whole lot newer, only coming into vogue in the 18th century. 

Today, though, hypnotism is best known for its place on the stage and this is where it will be found in this week's ADC show with Cambridge's very own hypnotist Kyle Fearn, who has agreed to tell Varsity a bit more about this age-old art.

In his own words, “Hypnotism is fascinating!". "I enjoy seeing the limits of hypnosis in subjects, even now", Fearn continues, "Seeing hypnotists give people whole new experiences on stage such as language acquisition was something that drew me to the art initially – pure fascination; that is something that I aim to achieve when I display hypnosis.”

That being said, he doesn’t “like people to believe that the hypnotist is in control of any subjects, more like a conductor, shaping their reality to something new, exciting and magical.” The experience of hypnotism is shaped just as much by the interest of the subjects as it is by the hypnotist, he goes on – in fact, the “subjects on stage often have more fun than anyone in the audience!” 

For Fearn, the most important function of hypnosis is “the ability to relax. In our busy lives, the ability to positively introspect is empowering. Hypnosis can act as a way to break down barriers which stop us from achieving, from feeling positive.” And this is not just the case with therapeutic hypnotism; even after a stage show subjects can “leave with an increased ability to engage with their own feelings in a way which is constructive, rather than destructive”. 

Hypnotism being incorporated into therapy is just one of the many ways the art is developing. As it currently stands, the world of hypnotism can be divided into three sets of theories: role theory, altered state theory and dissocation theory. However, Fearn doesn’t "believe in any strict school of thought, I think each has its merit. If any, I would lean more towards altered state theories. Hypnosis allows the subconscious mind to take the forefront; from here it can accept suggestions on how to act. As long as those suggestions aren't harmful, the subconscious will act upon them.” 

But how does one prepare to alter another's subconscious? Fearn likes to “engage with the public. Part of being a stage hypnotist is understanding the people that you are working with and being able to chat about hypnosis.” As for the practicalities, it's Fearn who sets the stage. "I will personally make sure that everything is safe and that the white safety line is correctly in place", he says. The white safety line, for those less experienced in this suggestive art, is there for hypnotised participants to stay behind – preventing the risk of falling off the stage. 

Once the show kicks off, the next step is to choose a subject. In doing this, Fearn looks “for people who are open minded and responsive. Everyone can be hypnotized; the only time it fails is if people are drunk or are strongly against the idea. You cannot be hypnotized against your will. I will hypnotize anyone who has a genuine interest or curiosity in hypnosis – saying that, skeptics are often more fun...” Yet, the choice is far from completely random. To decide who will be the most susceptible, Fearn looks for small physiological changes: flickering eyes, muscular rigidity or flaccidity, amongst other subtler signs. 

The precision necessary for and consequential mystery around hypnotism has led many to express discomfort at the idea. Despite the inability to be hypnotised against your will, many fear that in agreeing to hypnosis they may be taken advantage of. That something inappropriate may be attempted on stage. When asked about the relevance of ethical or moral limits to hypnotism, Fearn was adamant: “I use a suggestion in my show which means that nobody can act, or will act, in a way which is morally unacceptable to them. The art of hypnosis is a well understood one, to those who practice it, and great care is taken to allow anyone experiencing hypnosis to make sure their experience is as positive as possible. The application process for a hypnotic license includes stating explicitly what will be done during a performance. This means it is even more difficult for any performer to attempt anything 'unacceptable'." That said, Fearn is also “strongly against attempting anything even remotely dangerous with hypnotic subjects. If a subject trusts you, I think it is unacceptable to go against their trust by encouraging dangerous acts.”

A reassuring statement, to be sure. Indeed, talking to Kyle puts a much needed face to the cryptic and complex art of hypnotism – and it is a face that can be seen in person at the ADC this week. For all those interested, curious or feeling the stress as we reach the half way point of term, it seems hypnosis could be just the thing.

The Hypnotist is on at the ADC Theatre Today (Tuesday 4th November) at 11 pm.

In accordance wih the Hypnotism Act of 1952, it is prohibited for persons under the age of 18 to attend hypnotism performances. This performance is therefore only suitable for 18+. Volunteers, who must be aged 18 or over, can refuse at any point to continue taking part in the performance.