Five Modern Noh Plays

Noh is a traditional Japanese dance-drama that has been performed since the 14th century, based on tales from traditional literature. These five pieces by Yukio Mishima, written between 1950 and 1955, are as suited to being performed on any stage in the world as they are to being read in Donald Keene's translation.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 03 June 2021
Publisher: Europa Editions (UK) Ltd

Noh, a captivating and timeless art form, has been brought into the present day by one of Japan's foremost writers. This classical Japanese dance-drama has been captivating audiences since the 14th century, based on tales from traditional literature and structured according to strict rules. At its core, Noh often revolves around an accidental encounter that reveals the intricate workings of fate. Frequently, one of the characters is not as they appear, perhaps a ghost or a character who has undergone a dramatic reversal of fortune.

These five pieces, written between 1950 and 1955 and presented as modern plays during that time, are equally suited for performance on any stage in the world as they are for being read in Donald Keene's impeccable translation. In them, Yukio Mishima has preserved the eerie and haunting atmosphere of classical Noh, while also lending his characters and situations the directness and hardness of an encounter on a modern city street.

Noh is a testament to the enduring power of art to transcend time and culture, and these five plays by Yukio Mishima are a testament to the author's talent and creativity. They offer a glimpse into the rich history and tradition of Noh, while also providing a fresh and contemporary perspective on the human condition. Whether performed on stage or read in translation, these works are sure to captivate and inspire audiences for generations to come.

Weight: 218g
Dimension: 135 x 211 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781787702981