Synonyms
Mime Object. Clay. Ball Pass.
Introduction
Please form a circle facing inwards and mime an object with your hands.
Description
The leader encourages each player to create a mime object in her hands. The object is created by thinking of a mundane object and using it in with their hands. For example, a coffee cup could be mimed with one hand holding a handle and the other hand being warmed against the cup. The player could also sip from the cup. The sipping could give clues as to whether the fluid in the cup is warm, too hot, spicy, sweet or soothing. Basically if the player is miming a cup of coffee anyone looking at the player would want a cup of coffee. They should be able to imagine the physical space occupied by the cup. This is one of an infinite number of examples. However, each player need not mime a different object. Don’t be concerned if multiple cups, notepads and cell phones are in the circle.
Once each player has created their mime object, they will silently pass it to the player on their left. The players must make eye contact and spend a bit of time observing the mime object. For example, the player passing the mime object to the left may mime sipping from the cup before passing it along. No words are spoken. The player on the left will acknowledge the received mime object by either imitating what the player mimed or by adding to it. For example, the player receiving the cup of coffee would mime the shape of the cup and acknowledge that it is hot as well. Remind the players that this exercise is stronger when the mime objects are passed silently around the circle.
Eventually the mime object will make its way back to the player and then the group has a fun debrief. The leader can ask the players what they received back. Was it the same cup? Did it have the same weight or colour or flavour? It is also fun to go around the circle following a mime object and asking players what they thought they had been given.
Teaching opportunities about here. This warm up is not just about creating mime objects it is about listening, accepting, and commitment as well. Players will frequently have no idea what the mime object is that they are receiving. They must practise committing to the unknown. The player must take this unknown object and pass it to the player to their left. This can be done my mimicry or exasperation, but they must commit to their mime. They need not worry about failure. Sometimes a mime object will not be understood by three players in a row and then the fourth player gets it. Players must also accept that their precious mime object could turn from a cup into a salamander. One accepts this wonderful new offer with grace and laughter. Firstly and lastly the player must listen with their eyes and mind. No mime object will survive if it is not listened to.
Gimmicks
- Have a confidant in the circle intentionally pass the same mime object to their left.
Variations
- Clay – each player creates something from a ball of clay passes it left and that player creates something new.
- Ball Pass – all players are passing a ball that is endowed with new attributes as it moves around the circle.
Credits
Peruvian Ball Pass was set to paper by Augusto Boal.