Knife Throw

Arrange all players in a circle and explain that this is a game where they will mime passing objects between each other. The goal is for the group to behave like a well oiled machine of expert performers. Every object is handled with perfect, mimetic precision.

The game is played in progressive rounds, explained below:

The facilitator guides the group through adding one new object per round, only moving on when the current round is stable.

Round 1: The Knife. The group passes a single, lethally sharp knife. Every throw is a

straight, clean line. Every catch is a precise, confident snatch of the blade. The physicality is sharp, fast, and dangerous. The energy is high and serious.

Round 2: Two Knives. A second, identical knife is introduced. The group must now

keep both knives moving independently. The focus intensifies as players must track two

identical but separate objects. This often requires establishing a rhythm.

Round 3: Add the Glass of Chardonnay. This is where the true challenge begins. A

full, open-top glass of white wine is added. Its physicality is the complete opposite of

the knife:

Knife: Sharp, fast, horizontal, dangerous.

Wine Glass: Precious, slow, vertical, delicate. The pass is a gentle, careful hand-off rather than a throw. The focus is on not spilling a single drop.

Players must instantly switch their physicality and focus depending on which object is

coming toward them.

Round 4: Add the Struggling, Angry Cat. This introduces a living, unpredictable, and

complex object. Its physicality is a constant struggle: writhing, scratching, meowing. The passer must manage the squirming weight. The catcher must anticipate its movement. It requires not just physical skill but emotional acting (conveying frustration, caution, a

bit of fear).

Further Rounds: The facilitator can continue adding objects with wildly different

qualities:

A heavy, dripping water balloon.

A tiny, precious diamond ring.

A buzzing, aggressive beehive.

A light, floating feather.

Key Rules/Principles:

• Expertise is Assumed: The baseline is perfection. The group's goal is to

achieve a state of "flow" where all objects move smoothly.

• Object Work is Paramount: The entire exercise is a drill in specific, believable

physical handling. The value is in the precise mime.

• Clarity of Offer: As in Red Ball the passer must make clear eye contact and a

clear physical offer so the receiver knows what is coming and how to catch it.

• The Group Mind: The exercise is a barometer for the ensemble's shared focus. When it works, it feels like the group is a single organism. When it fails, it's a

collective responsibility to re-focus.