Sculptor and Statue

Age: 5 to adult
Players: Pairs
Time: 5-10 minutes
Skills: Mime and movement

Mould your partner into whatever you want!

In pairs, one person (A) is the sculptor and the other (B) is the block of clay. ‘B’ begins by standing in a neutral position; the sculptor slowly moves ‘B’s body into a new position according to the theme that is being explored. Ideally this is done without talking so that all communication is through body-language. Facial expressions can be shown by the sculptor for the statue to copy.

Many themes can be explored using this popular technique and some examples are listed below. Once the statues are made, an ‘exhibition’ can be held so that the sculptors walk around and look at each other’s creations. After this they can swop over. Sculpting can also be done by small groups, with one person being moulded by the others until they reach consensus.

• Remember that it is difficult to hold a physical position for a long period, so give a time-limit.
• You may like to give the sculptors paper and pen so that they can write a title or caption for their masterpiece and put it in front of the statue.

Useful themes include:
Emotions
Animals
Hobbies
Occupations
Characters from a story
Modern art
A moment from history
Greek Gods and Goddesses