'Tao of Glass' to make West End premiere

Tao of Glass is described as "part-concert, part-performance" and is inspired by a dream, bringing together ten meditations on life, death and Taoist wisdom with ten new pieces of music.

Tao of Glass, composed by Philip Glass and written by Phelim McDermott, will make its West End premiere at @sohoplace this summer. Performances begin at the venue on 24 July, running through 12 September.

Originally seen at Manchester International Festival, Tao of Glass is described as "part-concert, part-performance" and is inspired by a dream, bringing together ten meditations on life, death and Taoist wisdom with ten new pieces of music from Glass.

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 theater collaboration, the culmination of many years of deep admiration and respect for each other.”

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.”

John McGrath, Artistic Director and Chief Executive of Factory International, said: “Tao of Glass was a massive hit when it premiered at Manchester International Festival in 2019, and we’re really proud to have produced it and taken it around the world with Improbable. We’ve always wanted the show to be seen in London, and we are thrilled that it will be opening in the West End @sohoplace. Philip and Phelim are artists we are so proud to work with, and this is one of their most extraordinary creations.”

The creative team also Co-Director Kirsty Housley (alongside McDermott), Designer Fly Davis, Lighting Designer Colin Grenfell, Sound Designer Giles Thomas, Musical Director Chris Vatalaro, Puppet Designer and Puppet Maker Lyndie Wright.

Check back for Tao of Glass tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

Photo credit: Phelim McDermott and Sara Wright in Tao of Glass at Machester International Festival. (Photo by Tristram Kenton)