3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Perfect for beginners!, January 30, 2003
This review is from: Kabuki a Pocket Guide (Paperback)
You can see it on the title. This book by no means tries to be an extended, in-sight investigation of the complex world of the traditional Japanese theatre called "Kabuki". Instead, this pocket guide is more intended for those who, like me, want to make a first approach into the world of Japanese folk theatre. If that is the case, then this is a perfect introduction. It provides the reader not only with a wide view of the history of Kabuki, but actually shares some of the details regarding the minutia of the performance, like rehearsal, acting houses, the stage, the wardrobe and the makeup. Did you know, for example, that acting in Kabuki is not a job you just take, but a skill passed from father to son? Did you know that the Kabuki actor's "autograph" is actually an imprint of his own face? Did you know that Kabuki was originally an all-women discipline and then it turned into an all-men art through the centuries? I didn't know those things! I learned them all here, and that got me hooked up and made me go and look other things about Kabuki.
To round up, if you are already a connoisseur of Kabuki, you may want to skip this book, but if you want to really know the basics and get off to a good start, then look no further.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
4.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent Book, Wish it was longer., January 31, 2000
This review is from: Kabuki a Pocket Guide (Paperback)
I picked up this book a week before going to the Kabuki-za and it greatly added to my enjoyment of the performance. It provides an excellent overview of Kabuki as well as many tiny tidbits that make the reader crave for more without coming across as a dry text book. My only complaint is that it was too short. By the time I was finished with the book, not only did I want to see Kabuki, but I wanted to read more about it!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
