National Reconciliation Week

In 2024, with the theme, ‘Now More Than Ever’, Reconciliation Week is a clarion call for connection, action and change. Polyglot Theatre remains deeply committed to the learning and unlearning that we must all do to understand the truth of our country’s history, and create a safer, stronger future for everyone. In considering how we acknowledge Reconciliation Week, we were invited by one of our First Nations artists to reflect, and speak up in allyship. Here, we share personal reflections from our co-CEOs.

Cat Sewell, Artistic Director
The Polyglot office is situated on Wurundjeri Country along the Birrarung. I often take time to walk along the river and think deeply about the importance of this land and water to people who have been its custodians for thousands and thousands of years.

It is my intention and commitment that Polyglot as a company, and as a community of people, respects and learns from the wonderful and enduring qualities of a people who have cared for Country and cared for community so incredibly over all that time. We strive to bring that essence of care into all of our playful arts experiences for children and families.

Kath Fyffe, Executive Director
This week especially we reflect and listen, acknowledging the deep generosity of First Nations people in sharing Culture for everyone’s benefit. A few weeks ago, Polyglot worked on a collaboration between Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation and First Nations Polyglot artists. Sitting on the Abbotsford Convent lawns, with the Smoking Ceremony still in the air, I listened as Uncle Bill Nicholson shared the Wurundjeri Creation Story with children and families, including my own. I saw the beautiful paper creations children made alongside their parents, and the layers of understanding that were unfolding in doing so. What a precious new appreciation of this land on which we make our art was gifted in that moment.

This Reconciliation Week, we stand in support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Now more than ever.