Historical Dictionary of Japanese Traditional Theatre

Product Description This comprehensive reference work covers all four forms of traditional Japanese theatre: nô, kyôgen, bunraku, and kabuki. International tours by each have become commonplace, allowing audiences everywhere to broaden their understanding of theatre's possibilities, and inspiring artists to infuse their works with ideas sparked by Japanese theatre's conventions. Because of the great interest generated by increasing familiarity with these theatre traditions, along with a multitude of general and specialized publications investigating and describing them, there has developed a serious need for a work that allows for immediate access to specific information regarding many concepts, terms, and individuals.The Historical Dictionary of Japanese Traditional Theatre covers all four genres, providing information on nearly every aspect, including actors, theatres, companies, history, makeup, costumes, masks, biographies, theories, training, music, religion, criticism, and many more. This is done through hundreds of dictionary entries arranged alphabetically with abundant cross-references, a general introduction, a chronology, and a special glossary of all terms mentioned in the text but not provided with their own entries, all of which can be supplemented by consulting the most extensive bibliography of English-language Japanese theatre books, articles, and websites presently available. Review Leiter's work reflects his deep knowledge....recommended.... (American Reference Books Annual, vol. 38 (2007))...excellent....The author should be commended for recognizing the need for a dictionary of Japanese traditional theater terms and having the patience and perseverance to compile such a compendium....I will be sending my own students to this wonderful reference book. (Asian Theatre Journal, Vol. 24, No. 2 (Fall 2007))Leiter (theater, City U. of New York-Brooklyn College) considers the four principal traditional, or classical, genres of Japanese theater: nô and kyôgen, which emerged in the 14th century; and bunraki and kabuki, which began at the beginning of the Edo era, 1603-1868. His introduction includes brief histories of each. The articles discuss playwrights, actors, theaters, plays, movements, and other aspects. An appendix translates play titles. (Reference and Research Book News) About the Author Samuel L. Leiter, distinguished professor and chair of the Theater Department at Brooklyn College, CUNY, has published 22 books and served as editor of Asian Theatre Journal from 1992-2004. Dr. Leiter's books include studies of Japanese theatre, the New York stage, the world's great stage directors, and Shakespeare.