Tao of Glass Review: McDermott's Meditation on Minimalist Master 2026

The Tao of Glass review reveals a beguiling meditation on the minimalist master, Philip Glass, as director Phelim McDermott weaves a tapestry of stories, music, and stage magic. This London debut of the 2019 Manchester International Festival hit is part concert, part performance, and wholly enchanting.

McDermott's fascination with Glass began as a teenager, lying on his bedroom floor listening to Glassworks on repeat. That early obsession evolved into professional collaborations on Glass's operas, but the catalyst for this show is a project they never completed together: an adaptation of Maurice Sendak's In the Night Kitchen, derailed by the author's death. From that loss, McDermott crafts a series of theatrical vignettes set to specially composed Glass pieces, exploring the question: where does music come from?

Stage Magic and Theatrical Vignettes

The show opens with McDermott sitting in the front row, and through a blend of monologue, puppetry, and illusion, he transports the audience from the stalls to the stage. A hooded Chinese philosopher emerges from a sheet of manuscript paper, a piano's inner mechanism transforms into the New York skyline, and kitchen utensils become an orchestra. The piece is a love letter to theatre itself, using every trick in the genre's playbook to evoke wonder and introspection.

McDermott's narrative is non-linear, deliberately fragmented, yet cohesive in its emotional arc. It includes a tear-jerker, a shattered fourth wall, and even a jump-scare, proving that this meditation is anything but static. The trio of puppeteers and quartet of musicians work in perfect harmony, bringing Glass's minimalist compositions to life with precision and feeling.

Where Does Music Come From?

At its core, Tao of Glass is a philosophical inquiry. Glass's own question—where does music come from?—becomes a springboard for exploring art, inspiration, and life itself. McDermott uses his personal history, from youthful stalking to professional admiration, to illustrate how a creative influence can become a river running through one's existence. The show suggests that inspiration often emerges from loss, chance, and the unexpected connections between disparate elements.

The production also references the I Ching, Deep Democracy, and a flotation tank, adding layers of meaning that reward attentive viewers. It's a rich, textured experience that lingers long after the final note.

Comparison: Tao of Glass vs. Traditional Concert

Key Takeaways

• Tao of Glass is a unique fusion of music, theatre, and autobiography.
• Philip Glass's compositions provide a hauntingly beautiful score.
• Phelim McDermott's direction is inventive and deeply personal.
• The show explores the origins of creativity through loss and wonder.
• London audiences are treated to a rare, immersive experience.

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