The Encyclopedia of Interactive Performance

Play a scene while repeating a secret mantra inside your head. Here are some examples of mantras:

• I love you
• I hate you.
• I want you.
• I’m the best.
• I’m a bastard.
• You son of a bitch
• A secret (e.g., I'm going to leave.)

Variations

Neutral scene – Play a neutral scene, then repeat the scene with an internal mantra.

Counterpoint – Choose a mantra is in opposition to the tone of a scene. E.g., “I love you” in a rejection scene or “I hate you” in a love scene.

Final line – Say the mantra as the final line of the scene.

Notes

• Don’t perform the mantra, just let it affect you.
• Keep the scene active. Don’t fall into talking heads.
• Stay present to what’s happening in the scene.
• The mantra is not your objective, it just changes you inside.