Einstein on the Beach

Philip Glass

Einstein on the Beach is a new experiential production of Philip Glass and Robert Wilson’s iconic 1976 opera, created by English National Opera, Factory International, Park Avenue Armory and Improbable.

It will premiere in June 2027 in Manchester at Aviva Studios, home of Factory International, in partnership with BBC Philharmonic Orchestra.

Following the sell-out and critically acclaimed success of Satyagraha and Akhnaten, visionary theatre director Phelim McDermott returns to complete the Glass Portrait Trilogy.

Continuing with their creative partnership, he will be joined by designer Tom Pye. They have collaborated on the Grammy and Olivier Award-winning production of Akhnaten for ENO, and the West End masterpiece My Neighbour Totoro.

Inspired by Einstein’s scientific ideas and brought to life by Philip Glass’s mesmerising score, this opera takes audiences on an imaginative journey through time, humanity and the way we understand the world.

Tickets go on sale in Autumn 2026, sign up to our newsletter and be the first to hear when tickets go on sale.

Image credit: Karl Obert.

❯ 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