Activities

HYPNOSIS

Number of participants

From 2 participants

Objectives

● To enhance participants’ focus and attention to non-verbal cues.
● To develop and invent new or alternative ways to move and interact.
● To promote physical engagement and awareness.
● To explore how power relations function within a story or social context.

Where does the activity take place within the process (beginning, middle, end)

Beginning or middle

Duration

30 to 45 minutes

Material needed

Preparation

Prepare the room/space so that it is as spacious as it can be, without obstacles.

Step by step description

1. Divide the group into pairs or let participants choose their partners. Each pair decides who is Player A and Player B.

2. Partners check in with each other about any physical needs or limitations. Set space parameters to inform participants where they can move to keep their partners safe.

3. Player A holds their palm about fifteen centimetres from Player B’s face. Player B imagines their partner’s hand has hypnotised them and follows it, maintaining the same distance.

4. After a set time, switch roles, allowing Player B to lead.

Closing up

Invite participants to share their thoughts and experiences from the activity:
– How did it feel to participate in this activity?
– Which did you prefer—being the leader or being led? Why?
– What does this activity have to do with trust? With power?
– How does this relate to our larger inquiry?
Thank participants for their participation.

Resources

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Comments / hints for facilitators

Encourage participants to start moving in slow motion initially. Emphasise the importance of keeping partners safe while moving through the space. Encourage participants to find new ways of moving to challenge their partners. Before starting the activity, clarify that this is a collaborative activity, not a competition.