West End premiere of TAO OF GLASS announced @sohoplace
The West End premiere of Tao of Glass, composed by Philip Glass and written by Phelim McDermott, has been announced to run at @sohoplace from 24 July – 12 September.
An exploration of life, loss and a single question: Where does true inspiration come from?
Composer Philip Glass and performer-director Phelim McDermott have worked together on acclaimed opera productions in London, New York and beyond, and Tao of Glass is their most personal collaboration yet. Inspired by a dream, this West End premiere marries ten meditations on life, death and Taoist wisdom with ten brand new pieces of music from Glass, presented by McDermott with an ensemble of musicians and puppeteers.
Part-concert, part-performance, Tao of Glass is a storytelling tapestry, soundtracked by Glass’s mesmerising music and shot through with Improbable’s trademark theatricality.
Philip Glass said: “I am pleased that Tao of Glass will receive its London premiere this summer. It’s always a pleasure to work with Phelim. Tao of Glass is a true theatre collaboration, the culmination of many years of deep admiration and respect for each other.”
Phelim McDermott said: “Bringing Tao of Glass to @sohoplace feels like completing a full circle. This show was devised through a deeply collaborative process — Philip and I playing together in downtown New York, riffing and discovering how music, story, and image could grow from the same source.
To now share his specially composed music in such a beautiful space — designed for intimacy, sound, and connection — feels perfect. @sohoplace has that rare combination of openness and focus that invites the audience into the dream with us: a place where imagination, storytelling, and sound can truly resonate.”
Producer Nica Burns said: “An utterly original, fascinating piece of theatre with the most beautiful music, by world famous composer Philip Glass, performed by the exceptional Phelim McDermott accompanied by a talented ensemble of musicians and puppeteers. Perfect in the beautiful, intimate auditorium of @sohoplace. What an extraordinary and exciting collaboration by two internationally celebrated artists.”
The creative team also includes co-director Kirsty Housley, designer Fly Davis, lighting designer Colin Grenfell, sound designer Giles Thomas, musical director Chris Vatalaro, and puppet designer and maker Lyndie Wright.
