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.

July 14 - July 17 2026

Bees at Des Moines (USA)

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

Bees production photo. Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne. A Polyglot artist in a Bee costume demonstrates a dance movement which a child mirrors to the right of them. There's an another Bee crouched to the ground. There are families in the background.

Presented by Des Moines Performing Arts

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.

Venue, Dates & Session Times

  • Tuesday, 14 July – 10.30am & 12.30pm: Ashby Park, 3800 38th St., Des Moines. Google maps here.
  • Wednesday, 15 July – 6pm: Polk City Town Square, 107 S. 3rd St., Polk City. Google maps here.
  • Thursday, 16 July – 11am: The Station, 100 Main St. NE, Bondurant. Google maps here.
  • Thursday, 16 July – 6pm: Colby Park, 6900 School St., Windsor Heights. Google maps here.
  • Friday, 17 July – 4.30pm & 7pm: Walker Johnston Park, 900 Douglas Ave., Urbandale. Google maps here.

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.
  • Water, infants’ bottles and breastfeeding/chestfeeding are welcome, however we do ask that there is no eating (where possible) in the Bees performance space.

At Des Moines Performing Arts, we use the arts to hold up a mirror to the human experience. We strive to uplift diverse stories, people, and the communities they create. We want our guests, artists, and colleagues to feel safe bringing their full, authentic selves and individual perspectives to this exchange.

desmoinesperformingarts.org

Watch the trailer

When

14 - 17 Jul 2026

Session time

Multiple sessions

Cost

FREE drop-in performances. No bookings required.

Venue

Multiple venues

Age

  • Children and families

Accessibility

  • Visual Story (Yes) Visual Story (Yes)
  • Registered Assistance & Companion Animals welcome Registered Assistance & Companion Animals welcome
More info
515-246-2300

Contact

Polyglot Theatre

Contact

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