Classic Noh; Kyogen and Kabuki WorksNothing reflects the beauty of life as much as Japanese theater. It is here that reality is held suspended and emptiness can fill the mind through words; music; dance; and mysticism. A.L. Sadler translates the mysteries of Noh; Kyogen; and Kabuki in his groundbreaking book; Japanese Plays. A seminal classic in its time; it provides a cross section of Japanese theater that gives the reader a sampler of its beauty and power.The power of Noh is in its ability to create an iconic world that represents the attributes that the Japanese hold in highest esteem: family; patriotism; and honor.Kyogen plays provide comic relief often times performed between the serious and stoic Noh plays. Similarly; Sadlers translated Kyogen pieces are layered between the Noh and the Kabuki plays.The Kabuki plays were the theater of the common people of Japan. The course of time has given them the patina of folk art making them precious cultural relics of Japan. Sadler selected these pieces for translation because of their lighter subject matter and relatively upbeat endingsmdash;ideal for a western readership. More linear in their telling and pedestrian in the lessons learned these plays show the difficulties of being in love when a society is bent on conformity and paternal rule.The end result found in Japanese Plays is a wonderful selection of classic Japanese dramatic literature sure to enlighten and delight.
#1098116 in eBooks 2005-01-01 2005-01-01File Name: B005C72XB0
Review
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Oy vey!By Big ReaderMy disappointment threatened to begin when I saw that the book is so small. I took off a star for the text font being so tiny. Another star fell because the illustrations are so small and the details are not large enough. I suppose a smaller size book costs less to print. but who wants to strain their eyes reading? The paintings are interesting. and they are also very busy. So. the size of the book doesnt do them any justice.I am not returning this book. I intend to make use of it. But if it is to go through another printing. I hope the author can get the printer to double the size of the pages.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Not really for a beginner...By NanaZThis may be a good book for a more knowledgeable person. but since I am just beginning. (Ive only completed two paintings). its really over my head. I have read through the book. and there is a lot of information. its easy to read. but many details are outside of my knowledge base. Plus. most of the projects require sketching ability. which I currently dont have. Guess I will have to find a learn to sketch book! I will keep this and return to it when I have more experience.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Not worthy the moneyBy BetaThis book is a very general introduction on painting with acrylics and not a step by step type of book. I feel like I got a general idea of some technics but wouldnt be able to apply them to any paint. I would spend more in better detailed book that really teach how to paint instead of just giving you a general idea of it.
