Tao of Glass Tickets

Tao of Glass in London

Boundary-pushing new show Tao of Glass makes its West End Premiere this summer at Soho Place, just off Tottenham Court Road. This groundbreaking collaboration between composer Phillip Glass and performer-director, Improbable’s Phelim McDermott, combines brand new music with Taoist wisdom in a “truly magical journey” (WhatsOnStage) that meditates on life and loss. Don’t miss it - secure your tickets today.

What Is the Show Tao of Glass About?

Where does inspiration truly come from? Sparked by a dream, this innovative new show explores this question, merging ten brand-new pieces of music from Grammy and Academy Award-nominated composer Philip Glass, with Taoist wisdom, meditating on loss, life and meaning. Part performance, part concert, this remarkable production weaves a mesmerising tapestry of music and storytelling, in the most personal collaboration yet from long-standing creative colleagues Philip Glass and Phelim McDermott.

The History of Tao of Glass

Tao of Glass premiered at the acclaimed Manchester International Arts Festival in 2019, to critical acclaim, as a co-commission between Factory International, Manchester, Improbable, Perth Festival, Ruhrfestspiele Recklinghausen, Hong Kong New Vision Arts Festival and Carolina Performing Arts – University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in association with Naomi Milgrom AO.

The Cast and Creative Team of Tao of Glass

Tao of Glass is the latest collaboration between Philip Glass, who composes music for the piece, and Phelim McDermott, who writes, co-directs and performs. The pair have previously worked together on Opera productions in London, New York and internationally.

Philip Glass is widely regarded as one of the most influential composers of the late 20th Century. The founder of the Philip Glass ensemble, his work spans opera, musical theatre, film scores and chamber and orchestral pieces. His credits include scores for The Hours, Notes on a Scandal, and The Truman Show, as well as operas Einstein on the Beach, and The Quiet American. Glass’s numerous accolades include a BAFTA Award, a Drama Desk Award, and a Golden Globe, nominations for three Academy Awards, four Grammy Awards, and a Primetime Emmy Award, as well as the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, the National Medal of Arts, Kennedy Center Honors, a Grammy Trustees Award and a Lifetime Achievement from the World Soundtrack Academy.

Phelim McDermott is a performer-director. A founding member and co-artistic director of award-winning theatre group Improbable, McDermott is an Olivier Award winner. His credits include Satyagraha, Akhnaten, and The Perfect American with Glass, Shockheaded Peter for the West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds, and the Lyric Hammersmith, The Enchanted Island for the Metropolitan Opera, Così fan tutte for ENO and My Neighbour Totoro at the RSC, Barbican Centre and in the West End.

Kirsty Housley (Drive Your Plow Over The Bones Of The Dead) is co-director, with design by Fly Davis (Caroline or Change), lighting design by Colin Grenfell (Medea), sound design by Giles Thomas (Master Harold and the Boys) and musical direction by Chris Vatalaro. Little Angel Theatre co-founder Lyndie Wright (The Magic Flute) is the puppet designer and puppet maker

Tao of Glass is produced by Factory International, Improbable and Nica Burns.

Book Tickets for Tao of Glass at Soho Place 

This innovative show interweaves Taoist wisdom with the music of legendary composer Philip Glass in a boundary-pushing, deeply moving performance. “Every so often your eyes will fill with tears, for there is only so much that the human heart can hold within it” (Guardian) - don’t miss this remarkable piece of theatre, secure your tickets for Tao of Glass at Soho Place today.