This improvisational activity requires at least four actors. Two actors stand center stage; the others stand off to the side.
The two onstage actors ask the audience for a location. Once a setting has been selected, the scene can begin. The onstage actors speak in a fabricated language. Feel free to make it sound European, Asian, Polynesian, or completely imaginary. Just remember to avoid being disrespectful or stereotyping a specific culture.
After each actor speaks their line of gibberish, the performers standing by will translate each line. The actors onstage might rage or whisper or sing out in their strange language, but it is the translators who decide exactly what’s being said.
As per usual with improvisation, the performers should quickly establish interesting characters and a compelling conflict.
For an easy laugh: The onstage performer says a long line of imaginary language. Then, the interpreter provides a very short translation. Here’s an example:
Actor #1: Javaka sholo?
Translator #1: Do you like the coffee?
Actor #2: Furba linglo zumba nicht hassen balinka noshenzie, javaka compella scholo hanja!
Translator #2: Yes I do.
