Tao of Glass brings Improbable’s theatre to arts spaces across Barnet
Phelim McDermott’s 2019 show, blending Taoism and Philip Glass’s music, arrives at arts venues in Finchley and Mill Hill this autumn
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A show that weaves together Taoist philosophy, the music of Philip Glass, and the director’s own memories of theatre will be performed at arts centres in Barnet this autumn. Tao of Glass, created by Phelim McDermott and his company Improbable, arrives in Finchley and Mill Hill after a successful run in Manchester in 2019.
The production explores McDermott’s long-standing admiration for Glass, whom he first met while working on the opera *Akhnaten*. It also reflects on an unfinished project: a planned adaptation of Maurice Sendak’s *In the Night Kitchen*, which Sendak’s death in 2012 left unrealised. McDermott describes the show as a meditation on creativity, loss, and the ‘ghosts of theatre’ that shape his work.
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A show about what might have been
Tao of Glass begins with McDermott recounting a childhood memory: a missed opportunity to see *Billy’s Wonderful Kettle*, a production he idealised after falling ill and being unable to attend. This personal story sets the tone for a performance that blends autobiography with broader themes of art and philosophy.
The show incorporates puppetry, live music, and simple but striking stagecraft. Sheets of music are transformed into silhouettes, while torches and concentric glowing rings create shifting visuals. Time Out London described the production as a ‘love letter to theatre’, noting its ability to make even philosophical ideas feel immediate and engaging.
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There was going to be puppeteers… musicians.
Phelim McDermott, director
Where and when to see it
Tao of Glass will be performed at arts venues in Barnet in October 2024. Specific dates and ticket prices have not yet been confirmed by the venues, but details will be published on their websites in the coming weeks. The show is expected to appeal to audiences interested in experimental theatre, music, and storytelling.
Improbable, the company behind the production, is known for its innovative approach to theatre. Previous works include *My Neighbour Totoro* and *Akhnaten*, both of which have been performed in London’s West End. Tao of Glass continues this tradition, offering a mix of personal reflection and theatrical spectacle.
What happens next
Barnet’s arts centres will release full performance schedules and ticket information in September 2024. Residents can check the venues’ websites or sign up for newsletters to receive updates. The production is part of a wider tour, with performances confirmed in other London boroughs later in the year.
Questions this report answers
+What is Tao of Glass about?
Tao of Glass blends Taoist philosophy, Philip Glass’s music, and Phelim McDermott’s memories of theatre. It explores creativity, unfinished projects, and the director’s admiration for Glass, including a planned but unrealised adaptation of Maurice Sendak’s *In the Night Kitchen*.
+Where can I see Tao of Glass in Barnet?
The show will be performed at arts centres in Finchley and Mill Hill in October 2024. Specific venues, dates, and ticket prices will be announced on the centres’ websites in September 2024.
+Who is Phelim McDermott?
Phelim McDermott is a theatre director and co-founder of the company Improbable. He is known for works like *My Neighbour Totoro* and *Akhnaten*, and has collaborated with composer Philip Glass on multiple projects.
+What kind of theatre is Tao of Glass?
Tao of Glass is an experimental production combining puppetry, live music, and storytelling. It uses simple stagecraft to create a reflective and visually engaging experience, described by critics as a ‘love letter to theatre’.
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