Philippe Petit recreates high-wire walk between World Trade Center’s twin towers on 50th anniversary

Philippe Petit commemorated the 50th anniversary of his legendary high-wire walk between the World Trade Center's twin towers with a new performance at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in Manhattan, located roughly seven miles from the original tower site. The performance, named "Towering," was held on August 7th and 8th and celebrated the historic achievement that brought Petit international fame in 1974.

At 74 years old, Petit displayed remarkable grace and agility, walking 20 feet above the ground in a dazzling demonstration of balance and poise. The show interwove 19 distinct scenes, chronicling Petit's journey to his World Trade Center walk with the aid of dancers and musicians. Reflecting on the milestone, Petit told Nightline's Juju Chang, "I'd say it's a lifetime, 50 years, and yet it's nothing. I see all the details of my walk then, as if it were yesterday."

Petit, famous for executing high-wire walks without a safety net, grew up near Paris and developed a passion for aerial arts early in life. His daring ventures included walking between the spires of Notre Dame Cathedral in 1971 and between the towers of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in 1973. However, his walk across the World Trade Center towers on August 7, 1974, was his most daring accomplishment. Balancing 1,350 feet in the air, Petit crossed back and forth eight times before being arrested for trespassing and disorderly conduct. The charges were eventually dismissed on the condition that he perform a free act in Central Park.

This iconic act was later depicted in the Oscar-winning documentary "Man on Wire" and the feature film "The Walk," starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Petit's subsequent reflections included lamenting the towers' destruction in the tragic events of September 11, 2001, and expressing sorrow over the immense loss of life. Despite these somber thoughts, Petit dedicated his anniversary performance to the "glorious days of the twin towers."

During Petit's latest performance, audience members felt his trademark calm and charm. Nightline was granted exclusive behind-the-scenes access to Petit's private training grounds in upstate New York, where he honed his craft daily, practicing on various high wires to make sure he retained his skill. Notably, Emmy-nominated clarinetist Anat Cohen and the celebrated musician Sting, both friends of Petit, enriched the show with their performances.

Petit concluded his captivating performance while sporting a gold sequined tunic to the song "Fields of Gold," illustrating his blend of daring and artistry. Sting remarked on his decades-long friendship with Petit and shared the inspiration for his song "Let the Great World Spin," written for Petit.

The premiere also featured a moment when Petit reenacted his arrest upon finishing the walk between towers, adding a touch of realism to the performance. At the conclusion of the show, New York City Mayor Eric Adams honored Petit with a proclamation, declaring the day Philippe Petit Day.

Despite turning 75 just days after the performance, Petit expressed his enduring passion: "I feel I am in complete control of my art, more solid and majestic than when I was a rebellious 18-year-old." This commitment to his craft has kept him vibrant and grounded as he continues to mesmerize audiences.

Philippe Petit has served as an artist in residence at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine for over 40 years, supporting it through 23 different performances, and remains a symbol of defiance and ambition transcending time and space. 

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