Recognising & Playing with Status was a friendly, enjoyable and informative workshop. It gave insight into how to use status both in real-life interactions and theatrically. It took place in a light, airy room at the top of Oxford Playhouse and began with an explanation of the workshop and a few warm-up games. The emphasis was definitely on fun, and the group was encouraged to interact and work as a team. Organisers Sara Cole and Amy Standish made everyone feel comfortable with each other, and the games suited all confidence levels and abilities.

Participants began to play with status by pretending to be warriors. This turned into a game of 'wizards, giants and goblins' - a huge team-based variation of rock, paper, scissors. Some found the rules a little tricky to grasp, but it didn't matter - everyone was clearly having a good time. Early on, there was some discussion about personal goals - so that the group leaders could help people get the most out of the workshop. There were lots of opportunities for feedback and dialogue, which let everyone help each other benefit from the work and provide encouragement.

More games - including an impressive mime tug of war - built towards looking at status. Nobody pretended to lose the tug of war, even though some were clearly stronger than others. People evidently preferred to take a high-status position rather than low-status. It was the same in an imaginary game of grandmother's footsteps: nobody pretended to be caught out and lose. At the end it was all put into practice as everyone took on high- or low-status positions. There was a focus on posture, facial expression and eye contact. It was explained that using these experiments with status in real life - called status matching - allows for greater success in interpersonal relationships. Matching one's perceived status with that of the other person makes the other person feel more comfortable.

Very effective and inventive exercises were used throughout the workshop to put all these explanations and theories into practice. Instructions were clearly given in a personable and friendly way - with a good response. The leadership dynamic worked well: Amy Standish took charge and led the games; Sara Cole manipulated the group from within and took part in exercises.

Cast & Company Credits (alpha order): Group Leader – Sara Cole. Group Leader – Amy Standish. Producer - uncredited. Company - uncredited.

END

(c) Matthew Rose 2009

reviewed Thursday 2 April 2009 / Oxford Playhouse, Oxford UK

Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012

www.fringereport.com