Tao of Glass tickets

Puppetry and philosophy come together in Tao of Glass, Phelim McDermott and Philip Glass’s meditation on inspiration and the strange places where creativity and imagination spark. Book Tao of Glass tickets on London Theatre.

Tao of Glass in London is part concert and part performance, bringing together composer Philip Glass and performer/director Phelim McDermott in one of their most personal collaborations. The pair have worked together on acclaimed opera productions in London, New York, and beyond, and this piece is unique as it explores McDermott’s lifelong fascination with Glass’s music.

This production explores inspiration and where it comes from. Across ten meditations on life, death, and Taoist wisdom, McDermott leads audience members through a show shaped by brand new music from Glass, live musicians, storytelling, and playful stagecraft.

Rather than following a conventional storyline, Tao of Glass is a play that builds through images and ideas. A lost theatre show, a shattered coffee table, Maurice Sendak, childhood memories, and the ghosts of works in progress become part of what gives the show its spirit.

Phelim McDermott performs, with Sarah Wright as puppeteer and puppet captain, Janet Etuk as puppeteer, and Vic Llewellyn as puppeteer and understudy to Phelim. The band includes Chris Vatalaro as musical director and percussionist, Katherine Tinker as pianist and musical director, Jack McNeil on clarinet, Kasia Ziminska on violin, Daniel Bradley on percussion, and Simon Roth on percussion.

Tao of Glass is composed by Philip Glass, written and co-directed by Phelim McDermott, and co-directed by Kirsty Housley. The creative team also includes designer Fly Davis, lighting designer Colin Grenfell, sound designer Giles Thomas, and puppet designer and maker Lyndie Wright.

This production promises a night of introspection and deep thinking as well as a tender melodic hook to keep audiences emotionally invested.