RUEN

In fact

A stage game alternating 'version' and 'reality': two people in conflict each take turns complaining to their friend, after which we see what actually happened. Good for training expressive character point of view, contrast, and clean management of transitions.

Players

4–8

Difficulty

Beginner

Host

Yes

Full description

Setup and Launch

Assign four roles: A and B are the parties in a conflict; C is A's friend; D is B's friend. Get a reason for the conflict from the audience (a topic, a location, an object). Position the 'friends' at the sides of the stage as their 'bases'. Explain the signals: 'Version A!' / 'Version B!' — we go to one side's story told to their friend; 'In fact!' — we return to the objective conflict scene. In the 'versions', embellishment and bias in one's own favor are allowed; in 'in fact' we show events clearly and without justification.

Play

  1. Starting the conflict. A and B begin the scene from the given prompt, quickly clarifying what the dispute is about. Let them build up enough steam for specific details to appear.
  2. 'Version' of side A. On the cue 'Version A!', A moves to C and briefly gives their subjective version. Friend C supports A's point of view, asks clarifying questions, pushing for vivid, exaggerated details.
  3. Return to 'in fact'. On the cue 'In fact!', A and B show what happened without distortion, exposing the gap with the just-heard 'version'. Do not replay word for word — show the next portion of events through the lens of facts.
  4. 'Version' of side B. On the cue 'Version B!', B turns to D and gives their equally biased take. Friend D amplifies bold choices and helps formulate accusations and justifications.
  5. Escalation and ending. Alternate 'versions' and 'in fact', raising the stakes and the clarity of the mismatches. When strong contrasts have built up or a turning point has arrived, end with an objective resolution or a final sharp collision of fact and fiction.

Key rules

  • The framing of transitions must be crystal clear: use the same verbal cues and keep the 'friends' on their sides of the stage as orientation points.

  • Watch the contrast: in the 'version' — bias and exaggeration; in 'in fact' — clear facts. Avoid simply retelling the same lines without shifting the angle.

  • The friends' role is support, not scene-stealing: ask specific leading questions and help formulate a position, without introducing unrelated storylines.

  • Timing — short segments (15–40 seconds) and frequent cuts from the host, so things do not sprawl and each turn brings new information.

  • Track the facts: if a detail was invented in a 'version,' decide whether it becomes fiction or partial truth in 'in fact' and stay consistent. After 2–3 cycles, steer toward a resolution.

Context

🧺 Cart