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 selected Nō plays, including canonical and lesser-known works by Zeami and anonymous works, offers English readers access to the complex art of Nō.

Format: Paperback / softback
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 it was codified 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 Several of the plays in the collection are previously unpublished in English, offering a unique opportunity for Anglophone readers to explore the rich tapestry of Nō.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 symbolism present in the plays. Through Tylers authoritative scholarship and keen ear for the subtlety and beauty of the language, Joy, Despair, Illusion, Dreams provides Anglophone readers with a gateway into the complex and captivating art of Nō.

Whether you are a seasoned Nō enthusiast or a newcomer seeking to explore this ancient art form, this book is a must-read. It offers a profound appreciation for the depth and richness of Nō drama, and provides a valuable resource for anyone interested in Japanese culture, literature, and the performing arts.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231214773