The Secrets of Noh Masks Book PDF, ePub eBook

Join our eBook service for unlimited books & audiobooks. Get a free 7 day subscription! ↓↓↓↓↓


Book Descriptions:
In terms of style, Noh drama is the quintessence of simplicity. Performed by a handful of players, mostly masked and using minimal props and exceedingly understated movements, this is theater pared down to its essentials. Yet, as an art form, Noh drama is highly complex -- richly symbolic, nuanced and exquisite in its austerity.

Since the emergence of Noh drama over six centuries ago, the masks worn by the actors have been integral to the work. A Noh mask, with its subtle fusion of the real and the imaginary, is a beautiful object; but it only comes fully to life when a talented actor is able to transcend the mask's unchanging expression and convey a wide range of emotions.

In recent years, Noh drama has seen a resurgence in prestige and popularity, both in Japan and abroad. Today, the masks worn by most Noh thespians are either old, passed down from generation to generation within a particular school of acting, or the work of an artist who specializes in this craft. Only one Noh master-actor continues to make masks in addition to teaching, writing and performing. Michishige Udaka is a shite-kata (lead and producer), with a career spanning almost 50 years. As an actor and playwright, he is able to bring to the task of mask-making a deep understanding both of the character the mask represents and of the actor's intentions while playing that role. These insights have enabled Udaka to add greater dimension to his own performances.

The Secrets of Noh Masks presents 32 pieces, a representative sample of the more than 200 produced to date by the author. Every one has passed the ultimate test -- use in actual performances -- and may be seen on stage today. The stunning photos are accompanied by captions and essays about the history of Noh, its performance style, mask-making philosophy and techniques. There is also an index listing each mask with a thumbnail sketch.

Those who know little of this ancient dramatic form, might assume that Noh masks lack expression. But the images showcased in this volume reveal an emotional depth and humanity that is as powerful in the 21st century as it was over 600 years ago.

The Secrets of Noh Masks by Michishige Udaka

From reader reviews:

Jacqueline Campbell:

The book The Secrets of Noh Masks can give more knowledge and information about everything you want. So just why must we leave the best thing like a book The Secrets of Noh Masks? A number of you have a different opinion about reserve. But one aim that will book can give many facts for us. It is absolutely proper. Right now, try to closer along with your book. Knowledge or facts that you take for that, you can give for each other; it is possible to share all of these. Book The Secrets of Noh Masks has simple shape but you know: it has great and massive function for you. You can appearance the enormous world by open and read a reserve. So it is very wonderful.

Ernest Bryan:

Would you one of the book lovers? If so, do you ever feeling doubt when you are in the book store? Make an effort to pick one book that you find out the inside because don't judge book by its protect may doesn't work this is difficult job because you are frightened that the inside maybe not while fantastic as in the outside appear likes. Maybe you answer can be The Secrets of Noh Masks why because the amazing cover that make you consider concerning the content will not disappoint you. The inside or content is fantastic as the outside or maybe cover. Your reading 6th sense will directly show you to pick up this book.

Amanda Doss:

Are you kind of stressful person, only have 10 or perhaps 15 minute in your day time to upgrading your mind ability or thinking skill possibly analytical thinking? Then you are experiencing problem with the book as compared to can satisfy your small amount of time to read it because pretty much everything time you only find reserve that need more time to be read. The Secrets of Noh Masks can be your answer mainly because it can be read by a person who have those short extra time problems.

Debra Becnel:

In this particular era which is the greater person or who has ability in doing something more are more important than other. Do you want to become one of it? It is just simple method to have that. What you should do is just spending your time almost no but quite enough to get a look at some books. One of many books in the top list in your reading list will be The Secrets of Noh Masks. This book that is certainly qualified as The Hungry Slopes can get you closer in turning into precious person. By looking way up and review this reserve you can get many advantages.