When the World Turns is an interactive theatrical production created specifically for children with complex disability (who often face the most barriers to access) and their families or teachers/carers.
‘Families’ may include siblings, parents, family members and support people. A total of five people can be accommodated per family booking.

n a performance for families, the audience is comprised of six family ‘pods’ (groups) each made up of between two and five people. Family ‘pods’ can include a mix of adults and children from a single family and must include at least one child with complex disability and one adult. The maximum number of people per show is 30.

When the World Turns asks our audience to be participants in the work and this means adults as well as children. In the show, you won’t be in a traditional ‘audience’ seating arrangement. Instead, you will be surrounded by the world we have created, including many living plants and performers who will get to know you. You will be right in the middle of the action and able to feel the atmosphere.

The entire When the World Turns experience is approximately 60 minutes, including time to explore the space when the show finishes. The theatrical performance element of the show is approximately 30 minutes.

When the World Turns begins at home, with instructions for a short audio experience delivered to your family. This is designed to spark magic and connect with the natural world you will encounter in the show. You can play this as many times as you like before coming to the venue. You will also receive a visual story, which will provide information about the venue and what will happen when you arrive and what happens during the performance.

When booking your tickets, the Box Office staff member assisting you will ask questions to find out your access requirements and other details so that the performers can provide the best experience for you and your family.

Polyglot Theatre asks for this information so we can tailor the performance for your family as much as possible and understand the ways your child communicates. Polyglot and Bunjil Place will treat this information with confidentiality. If you have any concerns or questions about this please contact us.

When the World Turns contains low theatrical lighting, light and shadow, amplified music and sound effects, a variety of living plants and foliage, and use of naturally scented sprays.

The performance is taking place in The Studio, which is located next to the Gallery on the ground floor of Bunjil Place. 

There will be a safe, quiet, comfortable, low-lit, enclosed space if you need some time out from sensory stimulation. The Front of House staff will show you this space when you arrive.

If you have brought your own lunch, you can each lunch in the Bunjil Place foyer couches or outside in the Bunjil Place Plaza in front of the big screen. The café will be open if you would like to buy lunch and you sit in the café to eat your lunch.

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

Please contact us via email [email protected] for any other questions about When the World Turns.

We will provide a mobile phone number so you can talk directly to our Front of House staff on the day. This phone number will be provided in the pre-show email.