Young children are spending less and less time outdoors. Most Australian preschool children don’t play outside every day. This is despite research that suggests time spent in non-urban outdoor environments is linked to better physical and mental health, social competence, resilience and stronger learning outcomes.

Polyglot Theatre’s new work, Forest, is a direct response to these alarming statistics. Director Cat Sewell powerfully demonstrates the power of theatre to model new possibilities, transform thinking and to centre the rights and needs of children.

Amid the mossy floors and rustling, critter-filled trees of the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne, the performance begins by carefully positioning children aged 4–10 and their families as “visitors” to this beautiful landscape.

They are invited to tread lightly in this special place, and to explore with all of their senses, which, they are reminded, they take with them everywhere they go.

In the middle of the forest, the audience is led through a constructed blue archway (described by a child at the performance I attended as the “magic waterfall archway”) to mark the beginning of the show.

Finding and creating possibilities

Three skilled performers create pathways and opportunities for play-based........

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