Acknowledgment of country

Polyglot acknowledges that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live and create, and we pay our respects to Elders past and present. For more than 65,000 years, children and families have created and played here, and we are grateful to make our art on this country too.

Show

Forest

In the forest, tiny worlds meet giant worlds. Our imaginations breathe and our senses awaken. Listen. How does the forest call to you?

Forest production photo: Laura May Grogan. A child walks determinedly through a bushland clearing. Behind them, a group of children adults and Polyglot artists hold small oblong-shaped mirrors, reflecting light. They are surrounded by trees.

Forest is a brand-new immersive show set among the rustling trees of a real forest. Children aged 4+ and their families are invited to explore our connection to forests, and the creatures and characters within. Together with Polyglot performers, audiences rediscover local bushland, creating and playing in the wild spaces between the trees.

Featuring design that delights and surprises, and a captivating musical composition guiding the journey, Forest is a wondrous celebration of ecosystems and possibility.

  • Forest takes place outdoors, usually off-path. We create and play with respect for the natural spaces we are in, and the plants, insects and animals who live there.
  • There may be uneven ground surfaces, and unexpected weather conditions (sun, rain, wind).
  • Audiences choose how they interact with the performers and the space. They can move around as they like.
  • Director: Cat Sewell
  • Set & Costume Design: Jen Tran, Cat Sewell, Rainbow Sweeny
  • Sound Designer: Zak Pidd
  • Cast/collaborating artists: Briony Farrell, Zak Pidd, Sonya Suares
  • Production: Maisy Butchart, Sunny Youngsmith
  • Producer: Rainbow Sweeny

The 2026 premiere season of Forest by Polyglot Theatre will be presented and supported by Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, with further support from the Seaborn, Broughton & Walford Foundation and the Robert Salzer Foundation.

 

Logos: Polyglot Theatre, with tagline, 'theatre is child's play'; Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne; Seaborn, Broughton & Walford Foundation; The Robert Salzer Foundation.

Watch the trailer

View the gallery

Duration

60 mins

Touring Team

6-7 people

Setup

Day 1 bump in, day 2 perform. For international touring, a two-day set up may be required.

Venue

This outdoor work can take place in forest or woodland areas, parks, gardens, bushland or bush kindergarten sites.

Booking enquiry
+61 3 9826 3301
  • I loved how… we all just listened to the trees and how it wasn't really us making this happen, it was like the forest getting ready for its own show.

    Child

  • We were captivated by the ways the artists chose to explore and experience the forest and inspired to follow suit! There was a strong sense of wonder, awe and joy!

    Parent

  • Forest has reinforced my belief in the theatrical potential of sensory engagement, the joy of collaborating with nature and the power of simplicity.

    Briony Farrell, Cast/Collaborating Artist

  • We had a lovely afternoon treading gently on the forest and taking time to appreciate the communities around and beneath our feet.

    Parent

Contact

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