RUEN

Parliamentarian

A short three-person scene: two have quarreled, the third — the mediator — carries "punishable" status and tries to reconcile them while the bickering parties give a safe disagreement signal. Use for training pace, dialogue, and physical comedy in a high-energy style.

Players

3

Difficulty

Beginner

Props

Yes

Full description

Setup and Launch

Choose three people: two play old friends who have quarreled over one specific reason, the third is a mediator. Ask the audience to name a simple, understandable cause of conflict (a household trifle, a work mistake, etc.). Position the friends on opposite sides of the playing space, the mediator in between.

Explain the signal mechanic: whenever either friend dislikes what the mediator said or conveyed about them, that friend gives a safe and clear signal (a buzzer, whistle, clap, or trigger word). The mediator must instantly and comically react to it and rephrase.

Flow

  1. Start. The mediator quickly gets the core complaint and a promise/condition from the first friend, then runs to the second and passes on what was heard as honestly as possible, adding relationship details.

  2. Signal. If the mediator's phrasing is offensive or inaccurate, the relevant friend gives the signal. The mediator physically/emotionally "gets shocked," acknowledges the mistake, and immediately changes their delivery.

  3. Building up. The mediator tries various strategies: clarifying facts, softening tone, finding a compromise, reminding them of the value of their friendship — all at a fast pace with frequent dashes between sides.

  4. Conclusion. After a series of signals and several successful rephrasing moments, the trainer signals the finale: reconciliation (handshake/hug) or a comically collapsed negotiation — based on the audience's peak reaction.

Key rules

  • Safety first: no real electric shocks. Use only a safe, clear disagreement signal (sound, word, clap, vibrating device).

  • Signal on point: each friend only gives the signal when the mediator is talking about them specifically, to avoid chaos and "spam signals."

  • Clear quarrel reason: anchor one specific cause and return to it; otherwise the scene diffuses into general mutual grievances.

  • Tempo and running: make sure the mediator doesn't get stuck with one side; if it drags, give the command "shorter — to the point."

  • Honest passing: forbid the mediator from deliberately distorting words for a joke — the humor comes from trying to rephrase carefully under the pressure of signals.

Context

🧺 Cart