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.

May 14 - May 17 2025

Bees at Artosphere (USA)

Bees is a joyful interactive work in which children are welcomed into a world of community, communication, wonder and imagination.

A Bees production photo. A Polyglot artist in an intricate black and yellow bee costume dances in front of the blue, and yellow hive set on a green lawn. They are surrounded by children, some wearing handmade paper bee costumes, following their movement. Trees are visible in the background. Photographer: Theresa Harrison.

Presented by Walton Arts Center

Explore a buzzing, humming hive of activity, as three human-sized Bees busy themselves in the creation of a community alongside children who transform into bees as they play. The bees are fascinating, strange and beautiful, traversing invisible pathways and mapping delicate patterns across the performance space.

Inspired by the mysterious life and work of bees, this re-imagining of public space involves the slow uncovering of an intricate unseen world. Children are immersed in the sounds, shapes and scents of the bee world, from their familiar buzz to honeycomb houses. Bees uses ritual, non-verbal communication and the secret world of bee movement to provide a range of access points for children to participate.

Polyglot Theatre is working in partnership with Inlet Dance Theatre to deliver this season. 

Venues


Dates & Session Times

  • 14 May: Fayetteville Public Library, 9:30am – 10am, 11am – 11:30am
  • 15 May: Fayetteville Public Library, 4pm – 4:30pm
  • 16 May: Fayetteville Public Library, 2pm – 2:30pm
  • 17 May: Luther George Park, 11am – 11:30am, 1:30pm – 2pm


Bees is a free show and tickets are not required. Please see here for more info on session times.

Fayetteville Public Library

  • Fayetteville Public Library is wheelchair accessible. The library has two motorized chairs available on a first come, first serve basis at the Main entrance on Mountain Street. There is also one on the 2nd floor near the elevator, and one at the South entrance on School Avenue.
  • Fully wheelchair accessible restrooms are available on the first floor by the Event Center, third floor by the Welcome Desk, and fourth floor by the Copy Center.
  • For visitors with sensory sensitivities or who are feeling overwhelmed, calming kits containing sound-cancelling headphones, a weighted stuffed animal, fidget toys and a liquid timer can be borrowed from the Preschool Desk on the first floor. Focus kits, including noise-blocking earmuffs, a weighted lap cover and a visual 60-minute timer, are available at the Welcome Desk on the third floor. All kits must be returned at the end of your visit.
  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) service animals are welcome in the building. All service animals must follow the library’s Code of Conduct and must be on leash.
  • A floorplan of the library is available here.


Luther George Park

  • Luther George Park is wheelchair accessible. A curving ramp provides integrated pathways to the main stage on either side, access available along the central pedestrian extension of Water St. The site features a 0.25-mile paved walking path (5’ wide concrete loop).
  • Temporary restrooms are available in the Northwest.

For questions about venue access, please contact Walton Arts Center on 479-443-9216 or info@waltonartscenter.org.


Bees

  • Children and families choose how they interact with the performers and the landscape. Some participants may prefer a gentle experience, others may be more energetic.
  • Bees does not use bright or flashing lights.
  • Bees contains amplified sound and music that is played through portable speakers.
  • A visual story to help your family prepare for the experience is available to view/download HERE.


How to prepare:

  • When you come to a Polyglot show we recommend you wear comfortable clothing that allows you to enjoy moving. Remember that you have come for an adventure and there are many ways to begin finding your play. You are curious and this space is yours. Just as you might at the beach, do you take your time and dip your toe in to warm up, or do you run and jump right in? The worlds we set up welcome you to take your time and find your own way to your imaginative play; and our performers are there to join you, or play alongside you, and look after these worlds and their inhabitants.

Parking & Transit

  • Learn more about Fayetteville Public Library’s parking and transportation options here. There are two main parking areas: One is the covered parking garage off Mountain Street. The second is a south outdoor lot behind the library on School Avenue.
  • Learn more about Luther George Park’s parking and transportation here. There are several parking options, with a parking lot off Park Street and multiple parking spaces on Grove Street.

The Artosphere Festival celebrates art, music and nature with exciting performances, activities and events that the whole family can enjoy. Each year, Artosphere spotlights artists and performers from around the world who are inspired by nature, and provides a creative framework for the community to discuss issues of sustainability and environmental awareness.

waltonartscenter.org/artosphere

Watch the trailer

When

14 - 17 May 2025

Session time

Various

Cost

FREE - no bookings required

Venue

Various

Age

  • Children and families

Accessibility

  • Visual Story (Yes) Visual Story (Yes)
  • Registered Assistance & Companion Animals welcome Registered Assistance & Companion Animals welcome
More info

Contact

Polyglot Theatre

Contact

Got a question about Bees at Artosphere (USA)?

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Close
Close
Close