Fifty years ago, on August. 7, 1974, Philippe Petit, a French highwire artist, made history when he wire-walked on a 131-foot cable, 1,350 feet above the ground, between the World Trade Centers’ Twin Towers in New York City.
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Philippe Petit, born August 13, 1949, is a French highwire artist who gained fame for his unauthorized high-wire walks between the towers of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris in 1971 and of Sydney Harbour Bridge in 1973, as well as between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City on the morning of August 7, 1974.
To mark the 50th anniversary of Petit’s Twin Towers walk, Philippe Petit is artistically recreating his original World Trade Center walk on August 7, 1974. The event, named TOWERING!, is scheduled for August 7 and 8, and it showcased Petit walking on the high wire. The renowned singer Sting, a longtime friend of Petit, will debut a song dedicated to Petit, along with performing two of his popular hits. Additionally, Grammy-nominated jazz clarinetist Anat Cohen and Barbie whistler Molly Lewis will also be performing at the event.
In a recent interview, Petit described his ongoing programs as a "unique celebration" that will never be replicated. He predicted that these performances would be the most "beautiful, powerful, and inspiring" performances of his entire life.
Petit, who lives near Woodstock, N.Y., and will turn 75 soon, suggested that
"Most people see age as diminishing life, diminishing facilities. In my case, I believe dozens of years of practicing my art has made me a better actor. I’m not as strong and supple (as in the past), I have to edit myself if I want to continue performing.”
Petit insists he feels as strong and creative as ever. "I hope to be remembered as someone who tried to use every minute of living on earth as creative exploration," he said earnestly. For him, each performance becomes both personal and universal—an ode to the human spirit.
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