Joy, Despair, Illusion, Dreams: Twenty Plays from the No Tradition

Nō drama is a highly respected cultural tradition in Japan that combines speech, song, dance, music, mask, and costume. It gained popularity in the 14th century and has a repertoire of 250 plays. Royall Tyler's translation of Nō plays, including canonical and lesser-known works by Zeami and anonymous works, offers English readers access to the complex art form.

Format: Hardback
Length: 360 pages
Publication date: 09 April 2024
Publisher: Columbia University Press

Nō drama, a captivating art form that seamlessly blends speech, song, dance, music, mask, and costume, holds immense reverence in Japanese culture. Its origins can be traced back to the fourteenth century, when the actor and playwright Zeami (1363–1443) gained the favor of the shogun with his innovative theatrical techniques. Today, Nō continues to captivate audiences both in Japan and abroad, with a vast repertoire of approximately 250 plays being performed.

The intricacies and highly stylized conventions of Nō have continued to attract admiration from both Japanese and Western cultures. The plays are known for their emotional depth and profound exploration of human nature, often depicting themes of joy, despair, illusion, and dreams.

Joy, Despair, Illusion, Dreams is a remarkable collection of Nō plays, expertly translated into English by Royall Tyler, a renowned scholar and translator of classical Japanese literature. The book offers a diverse selection of works, including both canonical and lesser-known pieces by Zeami, as well as anonymous works that provide a glimpse into Nō before its codification in the Edo period. Several of the plays in the collection are previously unpublished in English, offering a unique opportunity for Anglophone readers to explore the rich tapestry of Nō.

In addition to the translations, the book includes an introduction that provides a comprehensive overview of the structure, formal features, and performance conventions of Nō plays. Brief essays precede each work, offering insights into the themes and motifs explored in each play and shedding light on the cultural significance of Nō in Japanese society.

Through Tylers authoritative scholarship and exquisite ear for the subtlety and beauty of the language, Joy, Despair, Illusion, Dreams provides Anglophone readers with a profound and accessible entry point into the complex art of Nō. The translations capture the essence of the plays, evoking the emotions and nuances of the original Japanese text, while also offering insights into the historical and cultural context in which they were created.

Whether you are a seasoned Nō enthusiast or a newcomer seeking to explore the world of Japanese theater, this book is a must-read. It offers a captivating journey into the heart of Nō, allowing readers to experience the power and beauty of this ancient art form in a fresh and engaging manner.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231214766