The Secrets of Noh Masks | 誠品線上

The Secrets of Noh Masks

內容簡介

內容簡介 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^DDLrichly 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^DDLuse in actual performances^DDLand 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.

作者介紹

作者介紹 Michishige Udaka, a leading-role Noh actor, is a member of the Kongo School, where he apprenticed under Iwao Kongo II, the late head of the school. At present, Udaka is the only Noh maskmaker who also performs on stage. For his contribution to the arts, Udaka has been designated a representative of a National Intangible Cultural Asset by the Japanese government. In addition, he teaches actors, dancers, designers, maskmakers, musicians, psychologists, and scholars from all over the world at the International Noh Institute, which he founded in Kyoto in 1986. He has also created three original Noh theater works including ""A Prayer for Peace - Atomic Cloud,"" an earlier piece which he rewrote in 2001 after the September 11 attacks and performed in Hiroshima in 2010.Shuichi Yamagata works as an advertising photographer, and also shoots portraits, scenery, skyscapes, and more.

商品規格