Philippe Petit Celebrates 50th Anniversary of High-Wire Walk

Philippe Petit, the renowned high-wire artist, commemorated the 50th anniversary of his iconic walk between the twin towers of the World Trade Center with a mesmerizing performance titled 'Towering' at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine on August 7 and 8. At 74 years old, Petit captivated audiences with his elegance, seemingly floating 20 feet above the ground, and reenacting his historic feat through 19 distinct scenes featuring dancers and musicians. Reflecting on his past, Petit expressed that the memories of his daring act from 1974 feel vividly fresh, stating, 'It's as if it were yesterday.' Rather than focusing on the towers' tragic end, Petit aimed to honor their legacy, emphasizing, 'That’s the miracle of memory.' The performance included live music, with notable contributions from Grammy-nominated jazz clarinetist Anat Cohen, enhancing the emotional depth of the experience. Petit, who was arrested after his original walk for trespassing, continues to celebrate his legacy through performances that highlight both his artistry and the historical significance of the twin towers.