Forward / Reverse
Players perform a scene while a director controls the timeline: Forward plays it normally, Reverse winds it back in exact reverse, Pause freezes everything. Tests physical precision and listening.
About
Forward / Reverse trains physical precision, genuine listening and the ability to hold a scene's continuity in memory. The reverse sequences in particular require players to undo not just dialogue but entire physical trajectories. When it works, the result is unexpectedly beautiful - and often very funny.
How to Play
- 1
Two or more players begin a scene from a suggestion.
- 2
A director standing to the side calls 'Forward!' to play normally, 'Reverse!' to wind everything back in exact reverse (including dialogue and movement), and 'Pause!' to freeze all action.
- 3
In Reverse mode, players undo their previous actions and unsay their previous lines in the correct order.
- 4
The director can call changes at any time, including mid-sentence or mid-movement.
- 5
The scene continues until the director ends it or a natural conclusion is reached.
Variations
- -Add 'Fast Forward': the scene plays out at double speed. 'Slow Motion' plays at half speed with exaggerated physicality.