Artists create design out of thin air and no one does that more literally than aerial artist Philippe Petit whose daring high-wire ballets inspire awe and wonder. One morning half-a-century ago, transfixed New Yorkers looked up at him crossing gracefully back and forth between the towers of the World Trade Center, “dancing in the clouds” on a wire a quarter inch thick, 102 stories high in the sky. Celebrating the 50-year anniversary of that event, Petit, now aged 74, presented “Towering!!” a program at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine where he is Artist in Residence.
Seated on chairs in the nave of the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, audience members were welcomed by evocative clarinet strains played by clarinetist Anat Cohen. A film depicted the preparations and performance of August 7, 1974, dancers portrayed the challenge of walking on a tape, there was music of Jacques Brel, Molly Lewis whistling, Evelyn Crocket’s interpretation of Erik Satie’s Gymnopédie No. l.
And then, overhead on a wire strung across the nave, Petit appeared. Defying gravity he crossed back and forth, kneeling, and lying, just as he did on that indelible morning. Music by Shawn Conley drew him to additional crossings, there was music by Petit’s mentor Francois Rabbath, a serenade by a quartet accompanying Sting, before “policemen” on ladders enacted Petit’s arrest at the scene for his illegal walk.
Philippe descended to address the audience before Sting debuted a song dedicated to Petit “Let the Great World Spin.” Philippe appeared on a unicycle for the group’s curtain calls before a reception with guests including Patti Lupone, Judy Collins, Griffin Dunne, Joey Danza, Colum McCann, Michael Imperioli, Darren Aronofsky, Forest Whitaker, sponsor Barbara Tober.
For those who want to experience his high-wire artistry first hand, Petit and musicians will present a program in the Hamptons on September 1st at Longhouse sculpture garden and nature reserve, 250 tickets are available. The previous day, August 31st, Longhouse will host a screening of the Twin Towers documentary “Man on a Wire” followed by a discussion with Petit.
Photo Credits:
© Jean-Louis Blondeau/Polaris – https://jlblondeau.com
Nina Wurtzel
PMC/Sean Zanni 2nd
