Tao of Glass

Co-produced by Improbable, Factory International and Nica Burns

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 London 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.

❯ Read Phelim’s interview with Bachtrack about the project.

❯ Listen to the Chasing Philip Glass podcast.

Originating Creative Team:

Philip Glass – Composer
Phelim McDermott – Writer & Co-Director
Kirsty Housley – Co-Director
Fly Davis – Designer
Colin Grenfell – Lighting Designer
Giles Thomas – Sound Designer
Ragnar Freidank – Collaborator
Chris Vatalaro – Musical Director
Jen Tan – Assistant Director
Lyndie Wright – Puppet Designer & Puppet Maker
Camille Etchart – Design Associate
Sorcha Steele – Sound Associate
Matt Lever – Lighting Associate

Co-commissioned by Manchester International Festival, 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. Tao of Glass originally premiered at Manchester International Festival 2019.

West End cast to be announced.

Originating Performers:

David Emmings – Puppeteer
Janet Etuk – Puppeteer
Phelim McDermott – Performer
Jack McNeill – Ensemble (Clarinet)
Rakhi Singh – Ensemble (Violin)
Katherine Tinker – Ensemble (Piano)
Chris Vatalaro – Ensemble (Percussion)
Sarah Wright – Puppeteer & Puppet Co-ordinator

Upcoming performances

24 July - 12 September 2026

@Sohoplace, London

Tickets on sale now

Press and reviews:

★★★★★ The Guardian
★★★★★ The Times
★★★★★ What’s On Stage
★★★★★ A Younger Theatre
★★★★★ Bachtrack
★★★★★ North West End
★★★★★ Theatre Reviews North
★★★★ The Telegraph
★★★★ The Observer
★★★★ The Arts Desk

Critics Pick New York Times