Narrative Atrophy

Narrative Atrophy

To be played with 10 or more players, preferably more.

Everybody brings or is given a story, around 300-340 words, which will take around two minutes to read aloud. The players are split into pairs (Player 1 & Player 2), and each reads their story to the other. The texts are then put aside and Player 1 moves along one space to a new partner, speed-date style.

From memory, both players repeat the story they have just heard to their new partner, making each last two minutes. After their four minutes are up Player 1 moves along another space and the they repeat the process. This continues, each time repeating a new story, just heard. This continues until they have returned to their original place, and each story has travelled one circuit. All players write down the last story they heard, and read aloud to see how the re-telling has messed with, built on, twisted or clarified the original story.

The more people the better; this is a game of memory, imagination and storytelling stamina.