Five modern no plays [Paperback]

Yukio Mishima (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: 1973

Japanese No drama is one of the great art forms that has fascinated people throughout the world. The late Yukio Mishima, one of Japan's outstanding post-war writers, infused new life into the form by using it for plays that preserve the style and inner spirit of No and are at the same time so modern, so direct, and intelligible that they could, as he suggested, be played on a bench in Central Park. Here are five of his No plays, stunning in their contemporary nature and relevance—and finally made available again for readers to enjoy.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English, Japanese (translation)

Product Details

• Paperback: 198 pages
• Publisher: Vintage Books (1973)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0394718836
• ISBN-13: 978-0394718835
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 4.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,429,666 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mishima in a good mood?, March 13, 2010

By 

Christopher Gordon "cmgventura11" (Southern Cal) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Five Modern No Plays (Vintage International) (Paperback)

I've been a fan of Yukio Mishima since I first heard of him and watched the film version of Mishima: Life in Four Chapters. I have friends who say he is too morbid, although I find his work deep, serious, it is also fascinating. In this collection, there is actually some bright spots, I even laughed during the first play. My old version of this book was regular paperback size, yellowed, and deteriorating. So I happily bought this newly reprinted version.

There are five plays presented here of different topics and settings, but all are interesting. I wish there were more English translations of his works, I've read them all and want to read more.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Don't read this if you have a hatred for beautiful writing., March 7, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Five Modern No Plays (Paperback)

Stark and startlingly beautiful, these plays will grace, enchant, mesmerize and haunt you as long as you live. The No play is here proven to be a fully contemporary vehicle for the exploration of abiding existential questions even while tearing your heart out with the beauty of it all

3 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Yukio Mishima -- Five Modern No Plays, February 16, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Five Modern No Plays (Paperback)

These plays represent some of the most advanced, haunting and enchanting writing to be found in dramatic literature. A must for anyone involved in the theatre.