Learning to Kneel: Noh, Modernism, and Journeys in Teaching

Carrie J. Preston's book Learning to Kneel explores the influence of Japanese noh theater on Western artists, highlighting the ways in which Japanese and Western artists influenced one another. Preston's own training in noh performance technique under a professional actor in Tokyo challenged her assumptions about effective teaching and inspired new perspectives regarding the generative relationship between Western writers and Japanese performers.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 12 December 2017
Publisher: Columbia University Press

In this captivating blend of critique, scholarship, and personal introspection, Carrie J. Preston delves into the intricate realm of cross-cultural teaching, learning, and performance. Throughout the twentieth century, the Japanese noh theater served as a profound creative force, inspiring American and European writers, dancers, and composers alike. The noh theater's distinctive stylized choreography, haunting poetic chant, breathtaking costumes, and masks, coupled with its deep engagement with history, ignited the imaginations of Western artists, who sought to reimagine traditional approaches and forms.

In her insightful book, Learning to Kneel, Preston explores the profound influence of noh on such canonical figures as Pound, Yeats, Brecht, Britten, and Beckett. These writers, through their collaboration with an international cast of collaborators, gained a profound understanding of noh and its impact on Western art. Preston meticulously traces the reciprocal influences between Japanese and Western artists, shedding light on the complex interplay between cultural exchange and artistic creation.

Preston's critical work is deeply shaped by her own training in noh performance technique under the guidance of a professional actor in Tokyo. This immersive experience challenged her preconceived notions of effective teaching, particularly her inclination to prioritize Western ideals of innovation and subversion while overlooking the intricate nuances of agency experienced by teachers and students. It also sparked new perspectives on the generative relationship between Western writers and Japanese performers.

While Pound, Yeats, Brecht, and others have faced criticism for their alleged orientalist tendencies and misappropriation of noh, Preston's analysis and personal journey reflect a more nuanced understanding of cultural exchange. She highlights the complexities and nuances of cultural appropriation, emphasizing the importance of respect, understanding, and collaboration in the cross-cultural dialogue.

Learning to Kneel is a testament to Preston's intellectual rigor, cultural sensitivity, and artistic vision. It offers a valuable contribution to the field of cultural studies, shedding light on the transformative power of artistic exchange and challenging us to reevaluate our assumptions about cultural heritage and creativity. Through her meticulous research and thoughtful analysis, Preston invites readers to explore the rich tapestry of cultural influences and the enduring legacy of noh theater in shaping the world of art.

Weight: 494g
Dimension: 144 x 223 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231166515