During this exercise, we split into four different teams and each took on an element [water//fire//earth//air] to act out. We weren't allowed to talk or make noise. The only thing we could do was move our bodies. We had to convey messages to each other and collaboratively show one element without audible communication.
I acted out fire and during the exercise, I realized it really took good observation and impromptu thinking to portray a fire. I'll admit, it was hard trying to look like a fire. I had this image of a burning fire in my head, but I didn't know how to get that image across to the others without any props except my body parts. Sometimes, I would see a friend doing something that I thought was great and spot-on. I felt like sometimes, I couldn't express what I was or come up with a great idea to perfectly represent what element I was.
There was more success with the next exercise we did later in the week: with materials [wood//metal//plastic//etc]. In this one, I chose metal and made sure I had more of an idea of how metal would be. I stood as a pole, and, able to now make noise, made clanging sounds with whatever objects I collided with. I think rather than try to plan out my actions, it helps more to just think of a particular trait of that element/material and, using one of the 3 interpretation techniques, make it my own. I had been trying to imitate the element, but with the material exercise, I think I took a more influential interpretation so I incorporated certain traits of metal, but also brought out my own ideas. Overall, I had fun participating and watching, especially the material exercise, since I didn't know what they were until after they started.
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