Peripatetic Walk
Who
All participants (in pairs)
Source et inspiration
Transmitted collectively during the Upping the Ex-Ante Summer University at PAF (Performing Art Forum), Saint Erme Outre et Ramecourt in the summer of 2017
Where
Open spaces: all areas of the venue, both inside and outside
DURATION
15 – 20 minutes
MATERIALS
A timer
EXERCISE DESCRIPTION
The peripatetic walk follows a precise protocol. It allows participants to respond to a question by sharing a story or a skill, while creating a specific form of listening. In pairs, one participant stands in front of the other. The one in front is the one who speaks. The other person is both guide and listener. They stand behind the speaker and, if possible, place a hand on the shoulder of the person in front. The exercise consists of a walk, guided by the person behind, while the person in front shares their story for 7 to 10 minutes (exact time decided beforehand). After the designated time, the pair switches roles. The guide never interrupts the story, asks no questions, and tries not to react. It’s possible that there are moments of silence while the speaker recounts their story. Once the exercise is completed, the group can come back together to discuss this specific framework for listening and speaking.
TAKING IT FURTHER
Once all participants have returned from their walks, it’s possible to have a moment of collective sharing. Each guide/listener is invited to share the story they heard, using first person speech (“I” sentences). When one person has finished speaking, they can use their glance to invite the next person to speak.
Ophélie Naessens, “Suites pour marches. De quelques exemples de protocoles collaboratifs et performatifs sur un site universitaire”, Les campus du XXIe siècle: le pari de l’expérimentation artistique dans l’espace public, Université Grenoble-Alpes, Apr 2020, Grenoble, France.