Primary Focus: Tableau Building, Physical Interpretation, and Collective Narrative.
Game Overview
“I Am A Tree” is a collaborative, visual exercise where players build a living picture (tableau) one piece at a time. Starting with a single physical posture, each subsequent player enters the space to physically interpret and add to the established scene. This game emphasizes spontaneous physical choice, spatial awareness, and accepting/building upon the imagery provided by others.
Setup
- Players: 3 or more actors (works great with large groups or lines).
- Materials: None.
- First Player starts saying I AM A TREE, or get a specific person, place or thing from the audience / class.
How to Play
- The Anchor: One player steps into the center of the performance space and strikes a distinct, frozen physical pose. They state what they are based on their position (e.g., “I am a tree” or “I am a lamppost”).
- The Addition: A second player enters the scene, looks at the first player’s pose, and adds themselves to the picture by striking a complementary pose. They declare their identity relative to the first player (e.g., “I am a leaf falling from the branch” or “I am a dog leaning against the trunk”).
- The Landscape: A third player steps in, interprets the combined tableau of the first two players, and adds a third layer to the image. They declare their identity to complete the scene (e.g., “I am a squirrel gathering nuts at the base” or “I am a lumberjack looking up”).
- The Reset: Once a full, three-person image is established, the loop resets. Typically, the player who started the round (Player 1) chooses one of the other elements to stay in the space, while the rest step away. For example, Player 1 might say, “The tree leaves, take the squirrel”.
- The Next Cycle: The remaining player (the squirrel) stays frozen in their pose, and the process repeats with new players stepping up to build a brand-new landscape around them.
Execution Notes
- Commit to the Shape: Physical clarity is key. Players should hold their frozen positions fully and intentionally, making it easy for the next person to read the visual offer.
- Vary Levels and Depth: Encourage players to use different levels—laying on the floor, kneeling, crouching, or stretching high—to make the visual compositions dynamic and interesting.
- Fast Transitions: Keep the momentum quick. Don’t overthink what to be; step into the space with your body first, and let the verbal justification follow the physical choice.
Technical Variations
| Variation | Description |
|---|---|
| The Moving Tableau | Instead of staying completely frozen, players can add a repeating physical movement or sound effect to their chosen identity once they enter the space. |
| Story Extension | Instead of clearing the stage after three players, the loop continues until the entire ensemble has joined the stage, creating a massive, interconnected living environment. |
