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.