Blindfolds (optional)
Trust Walk involves pairs working together as one participant closes her/his eyes and is led through the playing space by the other participant. The goal is to create a physically and emotionally safe experience for the partner who is walking without sight. This strategy involves verbal or physical direction, spatial awareness, and collaboration.
Divide the group into pairs; each group chooses who will be Player A and B. Player A will close her/his eyes (or put on a blindfold) and then Player B will guide A on a journey around the space. Depending on comfort levels, B can place a hand on each of A’s shoulders, one arm around A’s shoulders and/or hold A’s inside arm/wrist/hand in order to guide them physically as well as verbally. Player B should try and explore levels, tempo, and space, being sure to vary how s/he moves and where s/he moves in the room. Once directions are explained the group begins their work. After a set number of minutes, switch roles so that Player A can lead Player B and repeat the process. When everyone has had a turn the teacher brings the full group back together to reflect.
- Which did you prefer—leading or being led? Why?
- What responsibilities did you have as the leader? As the person being led?
- What does it take to trust someone to lead you? What does it take to be trustworthy leader?
- How might these ideas inform our larger class inquiry?
- If you are leading, start slowly. You are responsible for your partner’s safety.
- If you are being led, experience the space as fully as possible. What do you hear, what do you feel, etc.?
- Have B take A on a journey through an imaginary space with several invented obstacles (a forest, etc.). For a similar activity, see Obstacle Course.
- Allow everyone to choose at any point if s/he wants to be an A or B. Player A can stop and open his/her eyes to find someone to lead. Player B can stop leading and find someone else to lead or stand with eyes closed for someone to lead him/her.
- Have the leading partner narrate what s/he is seeing and what it makes her/him consider as they move through the space.
- Reading/Writing or Social Studies: Reflect on the strategy, connecting to themes from history (qualities of leadership) and literacy themes (trust, leadership, what is seen/not seen)
Boal, Augusto. Games for Actors and Non-Actors. Trans. Adrian Jackson. New York: Routledge, 2002. Print.