Colombian Hypnosis
One player leads with an open palm held near their partner's face. The partner keeps their face at a fixed distance from the hand no matter where it travels. A Spolin classic for physical presence and care.
About
Colombian Hypnosis (from Viola Spolin) is a deceptively simple exercise in physical presence, care and concentration. The leader is responsible for their partner's entire body through the position of one hand. The follower must surrender directional control completely. In the 'no leader' phase, the exercise becomes a study in shared physicality that directly informs ensemble scene work.
How to Play
- 1
Stand in pairs. The leader holds one hand up with palm facing their partner, roughly 15-20cm from their face.
- 2
The partner keeps their face at exactly that distance from the hand at all times - the whole body should move to accommodate the hand's position.
- 3
The leader moves slowly: upward, sideways, close to the ground, up over the head, through turns.
- 4
After two minutes, players swap roles.
- 5
Facilitator calls 'No leader' - both players' hands come up and they share control simultaneously.
Variations
- -Three-person variant: one leader with a hand in front of each of two followers. Chain: a line of five players, each following the hand of the person in front of them.