Five Modern Noh Plays

This collection features five plays that modernize classical Noh, showcasing Yukio Mishima's unique blend of tradition and contemporary themes.

In Five Modern Noh Plays, Yukio Mishima reinterprets the ancient Japanese art of Noh theatre for a contemporary audience, blending tradition with modernity. Noh, a classical dance-drama that has captivated audiences since the 14th century, is characterized by its strict adherence to form and its exploration of fate through unexpected encounters. Mishima's works, written between 1950 and 1955, capture this essence while infusing it with a modern sensibility that resonates with today's readers and performers alike.

The five plays included in this collection showcase Mishima's ability to maintain the haunting and eerie atmosphere of classical Noh while introducing characters that reflect the complexities of modern life. Each piece reveals the often hidden layers of identity and circumstance, inviting the audience to question appearances and the nature of reality. Mishima's characters, whether they be ghosts or those experiencing a profound change in fortune, draw parallels to the struggles of contemporary existence.

Presented in Donald Keene's masterful translation, Five Modern Noh Plays not only preserves the original's poetic quality but also makes it accessible for global audiences. The plays are as impactful on stage as they are on the page, demonstrating the timelessness of Mishima's vision and the enduring relevance of Noh theatre in exploring the human condition.