Loading Events

Philippe Petit is the “master of the impossible” and the artist who famously walked the high wire between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in 1974. In his new manifesto on the creative process, where the reader becomes the accomplice, Petit also a magician, street juggler, visual artist, builder, and writer reveals new and unconventional methods of going about any artistic endeavor from generating and shaping ideas to practicing and problem-solving to pulling off the “coup” itself.

Philippe Petit

Philippe Petit

Philippe Petit has been Artist-in-Residence of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine for more than 30 years and has performed on the high wire more than 80 times around the world. He also lectures, practices magic, and street jugglesÑfor which he has been arrested over 500 times. He is the author of several books, including To Reach the Clouds, the inspiration for the Academy Award-winning 2008 documentary Man on Wire, and, most recently, Why Knot? He has been a featured speaker at TED and other national venues, and he also walks on the wire and does street performances whenever (and wherever) he likes. He lives in upstate New York.


Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why do programs fill so quickly?

    ALOUD provides a unique experience for the public to engage with scholars, authors, and artists in the intimate 235-seat Mark Taper Auditorium. Library Foundation Members have the benefit of reserving for programs in advance of the public. Consider joining as a Member to receive this benefit, and check the website on an on-going basis for program availability. Be sure to subscribe to our email alerts, and visit our Media Archive for podcasts and other items from our recent programs.

  • Where does ALOUD take place?

    Unless otherwise noted, ALOUD programs are held at the downtown Central Library’s Mark Taper Auditorium.

  • Where should I park?

    We recommend taking public transportation. Parking for the Central Library is at the Westlawn Garage at 524 S. Flower Street. For more information, visit the Library’s website.

  • Should I purchase the author’s book in advance?

    We encourage you to purchase books from the Library Store. All proceeds benefit the Los Angeles Public Library. Books are made available for purchase when you reserve for a program online, and are also on sale at programs. In order to participate in the book signing, you must purchase at least one book from The Library Store. Members receive discounts on purchases.

  • Where can I find podcasts and videos of ALOUD programs?

    Podcasts and videos from our programs are available free online at our growing Media Archive. Visit the archive at lfla.org/media-archive to explore hundreds of podcasts and videos spanning 20+ years of ALOUD’s history bringing authors, artists, and t thinkers to the Los Angeles Public Library.