Conflict Exercise

Exercise Intermediate 20 min 2–4

Description

This exercise focuses on physicalizing conflict between two individuals. Pairs of student-actors engage in a tug-of-war using a rope to illustrate the tension that arises during conflict.

Initially, participants will discuss the implications of their struggle and the various outcomes of their tug-of-war—whether one pulls the other over, both fall, or they reach a stalemate.

Setup Requirements

A real rope, sufficient stage space for pairs to engage in tug-of-war.

Point of Concentration

the conflict (rope) between them

Side Coaching

Pull the rope!
Stay with the Point of Concentration!

Points of Observation

Listen to groups to ensure the conflict allows for physical action.
Ensure the conflict is more than just verbal—physicalize it with the rope.

Evaluation

Did they stay with the Point of Concentration?
Did each actor maintain their end of the rope?

Examples

Example scenarios could include:

A disagreement over a decision at work.
Friends arguing about competing interests.
Two rivals vying for the same opportunity.