Stretched Time: A Slow-Motion Performance Piece
Groups turn a few-second everyday scene into a three-minute performance in extreme slow motion, with continuous movement and no pauses. Students work on body control, dynamic balance, focus, and the expressive impact of stretched time.
How to play
- Each student walks 10 yards at normal speed, then the same 10 yards in exactly 2 minutes without ever stopping, while a partner keeps time with a stopwatch (4 minutes).
- In pairs, a short action (shaking hands, throwing an imaginary ball, a high five) is stretched to last 60 seconds, with slow gaze and slow breathing (4 minutes).
- Groups of 5 choose a 10-second scene: celebrating a goal, waiting for the bus, a group photo, or a surprise. They stretch it to 3 minutes and decide who does what (6 minutes).
- Full rehearsal with a stopwatch and ambient music; the goal is to never have a single moment of total stillness (4 minutes).
- Showing: two groups perform at once like a living art installation while everyone else strolls among them at normal speed, then discuss (4 minutes).
Rules
- Movement is continuous: you can go very slowly, but you never stop.
- Balances on one leg happen near a wall or a partner so nobody falls.
- Students strolling between groups don't touch or talk to the performers.
Variations
Easier
The scene lasts 1 minute and two moments of stillness are allowed.
Standard
A 10-second scene stretched to 3 minutes with continuous movement and a strolling audience.
Harder
Within the scene, one person moves at normal speed for 10 seconds to create contrast with the rest.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: build the scene with arm, head, and eye movements; moving the wheelchair slowly is also part of the performance.
- Hearing impairment: the teacher marks the start and end with a visual signal.
- Balance or fitness level: choose positions with two points of support and allow leaning on a partner.
Learning goals
- Control the body during extremely slow, continuous movement.
- Transform an everyday action by manipulating time.
- Keep focus and stage presence as a group.
Equipment for a class of 25
- stopwatch: 6
- music
- portable speaker: 1
Teacher tip
Slow motion takes a lot of strength and balance; warn students it's more tiring than it looks and start with stable positions. Filming a rehearsal and playing it sped up is very motivating.
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