Polyglot’s October e-news

“You have created something wonderful”

This weekend, the sun (and moon!) will set on Paper Planet at Sydney Opera House. We are brimming with joy to have been part of the iconic 50^th birthday celebrations, welcoming thousands of children and families into our magical forest. As a recent performance came to an end, and the moon rose above the audience, a child called out, “It’s just so beautiful!”

We couldn’t agree more.

Paper Planet. Photos (including header image): Katje Ford, courtesy of Sydney Opera House

Kempsey, Kensington, West Kowloon

Totems is our Kids Collaboration led by two Polyglot artists: First Nations writer Blayne Welsh, a Wailwan man, and designer and puppet-maker Tamara Rewse. Since 2022, we have worked in partnership with the Kinchela Boys Home in Kempsey NSW, and local Kempsey schools, to develop and pilot the project. This culminated in September with a joyous student-led performance and celebration of community. From 2024, this First Nations-led interactive experience will transfer to new communities in regional and remote areas.“It brings you into your culture and helps you to be creative.” Student, Totems.

Totems. Photos: Alicia Fox

Us. Here. Now. is our newest Kids Collaboration in partnership with The Venny, a free communal backyard and adventure playground for public housing. Polyglot artists have been attending play sessions, building connections with the community and the staff, and our dedicated workshops with children and families begin later this month. Together we will make a new public performance experience with the creativity of the young people of Kensington, Flemington and North Melbourne at the very heart.

Polyglot is working in partnership with West Kowloon Cultural District to create a new, bilingual version of Pram People in English and Cantonese, premiering in 2024. A creative development team is currently in Hong Kong, creating and playing with families and schools. “The children were very enthusiastic… they created some spectacular pram decorations with features that included propellers, rocket launchers, rubbish disposal and built-in radio. The parents were very generous with their stories and sharing their experiences. They spoke openly about the challenges of raising children, the difficulty of getting around Hong Kong with a small child and the pride they feel as parents. It was an emotional session.” Artist workshop report.

Polyglot in Hong Kong.

“Includes all people”

“In a world that has so many rules and expectations, it is so special to have something created that encourages exploration, includes all people and celebrates differences. It was such a fun experience. We will all remember it, you have created something wonderful.” Parent, When the World Turns

When the World Turns, our collaboration with Oily Cart (UK), and commissioned by Arts Centre Melbourne for Alter State, recently enjoyed its second Melbourne season. Presented by Bunjil Place, it was a privilege to connect with more than 180 people across four days of performances. Our wonderful friends at ecoDynamics generously provided thousands of plants and horticultural expertise so that we could transform the Studio into a wondrous, rustling, living landscape.

Currently, Oily Cart is deep in development and rehearsal for the UK premiere season.

When the World Turns, Bunjil Place.

“Delving into the why and how“

In August, Artistic Director Cat Sewell and Generator artist Tirese Ballard facilitated a professional development workshop with Starlight Children’s Foundation Australia in Sydney. Cat writes, “It was fantastic to be invited to share Polyglot’s practice with Captain Starlight coaches from across Australia. We spent a wonderful afternoon exploring child-centred practice through play and creativity, delving into the why and how. We looked at finding ways to give children agency and power, which is so important in the hospital settings they work in. We look forward to returning later in the year.”

Future buzz

Bees continues to zoom and whirr around the world. We’ve shared eight seasons already this year, most recently at Horizon Festival on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, and at the opening of Lynn Wyatt Square in Houston, Texas (in partnership with Inlet Dance Theatre). Bees will also be part of the Wyndham City Children’s Week Picnic on Sunday 22 October.

In August, Kath Fyffe, our Executive Director, attended the Australian Performing Arts Exchange (APAX) in Cairns, and in September, Cat Sewell attended the Australian Performing Arts Forum (APAF) in Brisbane. These were valuable opportunities to connect with presenting partners and industry peers from across the country, share updates about our work, and plan future touring. As Polyglot’s evolution continues, 2024 and 2025 are already filled with fun. 

Thank you

Totems is assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body, and the Malcolm Robertson Foundation.

Us. Here. Now. is supported by the City of Melbourne through the Arts and Creative Investment Partnership fund.

The development of Pram People (Hong Kong Edition) is assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body.

Commissioned by Arts Centre Melbourne for major arts and disability festival Alter State, When the World Turns is supported by the UK/Australia Season Patrons Board, the British Council and the Australian Government as part of the UK/Australia Season, with further support from the Cassandra Gantner Foundation, State Trustees Australia Foundation, the Jennifer Prescott Family Foundation, the Marian and E.H. Flack Trust, ArtPlay and Arts Council England.

Polyglot Theatre thanks ecoDynamics for supporting When the World Turns.