The actors centre. Work on why we say the things we do in the play. An attempt at first to find the most basic, logical, superficial answer. E.g. I ask what the sound is because I think he knows the answer. Or something. To make us think about everything we say, and why we say it, without imposing interpretation from the start. Difficult as interpretation seems to be inherent in almost every choice. But useful. Especially to make some lines, such as 'What?' less about an emotional reaction and more about the other person. Exercise progressed to 'So and so needs to hear this because...'. The actors outside the circle chipped in with reasons the line was said, until the actor in the scene found one they wanted to try. They then said 'You need to hear this because....' and gave the reason and then the line.