Theatre
Review
Review: Tao of Glass
Performer-director Phelim McDermott and composer Philip Glass unite on this one-of-a-kind production
Scepticism is healthy regarding any production that claims to be inspired by a dream. Writer, performer and co-director Phelim McDermott winks to this on more than one occasion, but although Tao Of Glass has plenty of laughs, it also commits to that journey into the conscious and subconscious mind, bringing audiences along on a rambling journey through McDermott’s obsessions, his years making theatre, and his life-shaping friendship and partnership with Philip Glass.
(Opening 12-07-19)
Glass, as the composer of many, many celebrated operas and scores, needs little introduction. For any in the audience not familiar, they’ll be meeting him through McDermott’s recollections of a youth spent playing the album Glassworks on repeat, through a love that grew into a professional passion, and through the projects the two created together – and the ones that never made it to stage. And of course, they’ll be meeting Glass in his music, as the original score Glass has composed for the piece weaves through the fragmented scenes and binds them together.
(Opening 12-07-19)
With the aid of a band of musicians, and puppeteers Sarah Wright, Janet Etuk and Vic Llewellyn, McDermott takes the audience at @sohoplace through ten meditations on life and art, each wrapped up in one of his obsessions and punctuated with his self-deprecating humour. Bringing it all to life is Fly Davis’ minimalistic set and the puppeteers’ creations, manipulating sheet music, pulling apart a piano and walking a small boy across the stage. This last is the puppet who would have appeared in a cancelled stage adaptation of In The Night Kitchen by Maurice Sendak – the show that McDermott really wanted to make with Glass. It was never to be, but as the stage revolves and the puppeteers work alongside McDermott, we get a sense of what that show might have been.
(Opening 12-07-19)
This show, also, might have been many different things. McDermott does not pick a focus, instead jumping between monologues and trusting Glass’ music to thread it all together. Which it does. Surprising to no one, what Glass creates for this unusual show is moving, magical and truly special. You’ll leave not being entirely sure what you’ve seen – but it will make you want to follow McDermott’s lead and spend an evening lying on the floor with your eyes closed, a Philip Glass record revolving by your head.
Tao Of Glass is currently playing at @sohoplace until 12 September – find tickets here
