Trio Scenework: Exercises developed at the Hungary Lab

LOCATION: FELSOORS, HUNGARY

DAY 2 of LAB - WEDNESDAY 29/01/2025

OPEN SPACE GROUP 1 (Peter, Timo, Vid, Andrew, Lucie): 

Trio scene work, witnesses, passengers, the dynamic of three, and the impact of in-group vs. out-group in language. How does language create alliances and divisions in trio scenes?

Core skill-building: Develop the performer’s skills as one entity. Feel the dynamics at play—why won’t she leave? Why am I stuck between two people? Link the language issues: Play with different languages and nonverbal cues, using tiny details. Have fun building characters with limited language knowledge.

Physical trio exercises: 

Alliance triangle (Andrew). Stand in a triangle, close the triangle, and open up to both angles. Anyone can say "no," and people should look up. The only requirement is to see the other two's faces whenever you look up. Decide whether you feel part of an alliance or not. If not, step back. You can be deliberate, but allow it to unfold naturally. Observe the body language and comfort levels of the individuals. Be decisive and let time help clarify your decision.

Walk around the space. When someone says "Now," look at the people around you and observe if any alliances form. If you feel like an outsider, shift your gaze to the audience. Fight elegantly for inclusion or know when to exclude yourself.

Then, start using language. Play with different languages and interact with other people. Linguistically, we used inclusion and exclusion. Two people speak French, but the trio speaks a common language. You aim to step out, magnetize, and attract people, or get one person on your side.

Trio Scenes Where Everyone Knows Each Other.

Initially, decide who to exclude and with whom to ally. Try to switch alliances throughout the scene, but make it clear and stay consistent with your strategy or goal; otherwise, changing perspectives may become confusing. Focus on the scene's promise—what have we established so far? 

Characters with Objective but Limited language skills.

When characters have a clear objective or desire but a limited level of English proficiency, the dynamics of the scene become more nuanced. Shifting alliances and status too frequently can create confusion and weaken the scene’s impact. While change can and should happen, allowing these shifts to unfold naturally leads to more compelling storytelling.

Scene variants:

• Use a maximum of five words in the entire scene.

• Each sentence contains one to three words to maintain simplicity and clarity.

• Rely on non-verbal communication, tone, facial expressions, and body language to convey meaning.

• Pay attention to pauses and silence—what is left unsaid can be as powerful as words.

• Explore how power dynamics evolve when language is restricted.

  
  

Variation: Quartet

Try the same exercise with four players instead of three. Observe how the presence of an extra character influences alliances, status shifts, and scene tension. Does the fourth person create balance, disrupt harmony, or intensify conflicts?

Conclusion:

By embracing limited language, performers can focus on intention, presence, and the scene's deeper emotional layers.