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

Whirlwind

A theatrical play space where the ridiculous is welcomed and creativity can float and fly.

Whirlwind production photo: Laura May Grogan. Children, families and Polyglot artists create and play in a swirl of colourful paper confetti.

Filled with an array of recycled and discarded paper and fabric, the performance space is animated by many fans and many hands. Detritus reimagined. The air sweeps and swirls, children dance and ideas whirl. Take a moment to sing with abandon into a fan or lie down to see the gentle arc of a bubble.

Join Polyglot performers in hilarious and moving creative play, powered by you!

“A magical, immersive and thoughtful experience. Truly, nobody wanted to leave by the end.” Judge, Melbourne Fringe Awards

“Everything went flying and we had the best time ever.” Child

  • Whirlwind is an energetic, highly stimulating experience, designed for children ages 5-11 years and their families. Younger siblings are welcome.
  • The performance space features many electric fans of different sizes that blow/move air and make noise.
  • Amplified music and sound is played.
  • We recommend audience members with sensory sensitivities bring their own ear defenders and/or goggles/sunglasses. Some will be available for use during the performance.
  • Children and families choose how they interact with the performers and the space. They can move around as they like.
  • Director: Cat Sewell
  • Set & Costume Designer: Jen Tran
  • Sound Designer: Sasha Kaiser
  • Cast/collaborating artists: Tirese Ballard, Niamh Corcoran, Zak Pidd, Meg Taranto
  • Stage Manager: Maisy Butchart
  • Producer: Julie Wright
  • Premiere: Immigration Museum, Melbourne Fringe, VIC, Australia

Whirlwind was developed with support from Melbourne Fringe and The Robert Salzer Foundation. The premiere season was Fringe Funded, as part of XS, with thanks to Daniel Besen, and Rupert Myer AO and Annabel Myer, and supported by Museums Victoria. It was made more accessible with support from Access Fringe.

 

LOGOS: Polyglot Theatre, with tagline, 'theatre is child's play'; Melbourne Fringe Festival 2025; Museums Victoria; The Robert Salzer Foundation; Lucas Dental Care.

  • WINNER: Best in Kids, 2025 Melbourne Fringe Awards

Contact

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