A History of Japanese Theatre
Japan boasts one of the world’s oldest, most vibrant, and influential performance traditions. This accessible and complete history provides a comprehensive overview of Japanese theatre and its continuing global influence. Written by eminent international scholars, it spans the full range of dance-theatre genres over the past fifteen hundred years, including noh theatre, bunraku puppet theatre, kabuki theatre, shingeki modern theatre, rakugo storytelling, vanguard butoh dance, and media experimentation. This digital edition is available as an instant download in PDF format.
The first part addresses traditional genres, their historical trajectories and performance conventions. Part II covers the spectrum of new genres since Meiji (1868–), and Parts III to VI provide discussions of playwriting, architecture, Shakespeare, and interculturalism, situating Japanese elements within their global theatrical context. Beautifully illustrated with photographs and prints, this history features interviews with key modern directors, an overview of historical scholarship in English and Japanese, and a timeline. A further reading list covers a range of multimedia resources to encourage further explorations.
Book Overview
Edited by Jonah Salz, Professor of Comparative Theatre at Ryukoku University, Kyoto, this volume brings together contributions from leading scholars in the field. It covers traditional genres such as noh, kyogen, kabuki, and bunraku, as well as modern developments including shingeki, butoh, and contemporary theatre. The book also examines playwriting, theatre architecture, criticism, and intercultural influences, making it an essential resource for students, scholars, and enthusiasts of Japanese theatre history.
What You’ll Discover Inside
- Comprehensive coverage of Japanese theatre from ancient times to the present
- Detailed chapters on noh, kyogen, kabuki, bunraku, and modern genres
- Interviews with key modern directors such as Takemoto Mikio, Oriza Hirata, and Ninagawa Yukio
- Illustrations including photographs and prints
- Timeline, further reading list, and multimedia resources
- Scholarly analysis of playwriting, architecture, and interculturalism
Why This Book Matters
This book offers a definitive overview of Japanese theatre, highlighting its historical significance and global impact. It serves as an invaluable reference for understanding the evolution of performance traditions and their continued relevance in contemporary theatre. The inclusion of diverse perspectives and scholarly rigor makes it a key text for academic study and cultural appreciation.
Book Details
| Format | |
|---|---|
| File Size | 24.9 MB |
| Language | English |
| Pages | 593 |
| Publisher | Cambridge University Press |
| Publication Date | 2016 |
| Edition | First Edition |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1-107-03424-2 |
| ISBN-10 | 1-107-03424-3 |
Device Compatibility
This digital book is compatible with Kindle, tablets, desktop computers, mobile devices, and reading apps. Instant download after purchase.
FAQ
Is this a physical book? No, this is a digital download in PDF format. No physical shipping.
Can I read it on my tablet? Yes, the PDF format is compatible with most tablets and e-readers.
How do I access the book after purchase? You will receive an instant download link upon completion of your order.
Explore the rich history of Japanese theatre with this comprehensive digital edition. Perfect for students, scholars, and theatre enthusiasts.
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