Julie Taymor, Playing With Fire: Theater Opera Film

UPDATED AND EXPANDED EDITION, published by Harry N. Abrams, 1999, hardcover, illustrated, 20 pages, 26.5 cms x 28.6 cms x 2.8 cms, condition: new.

One of the most imaginative and provocative directors and designers working today, Taymor draws on elements from the West, Indonesia, Japan, traditional theater, Asian dance-drama, puppetry, masked dance, contemporary cinema, and other performing arts to bring her extraordinary theatrical hybrids to life. Tracing her extensive career, this volume includes 195 illustrations, 110 in color, as well as Taymor's personal production notes.

Here is a handsome coffee table book filled with glorious pictures recording Julie Taymors artistry. In the words of a reviewer and her subject, the work of one of todays most visionary directors is explored up until the year 1995. An in-depth biography is followed by an equally incisive look at some of Taymors most well-known pieces. I myself have had the pleasure of seeing Fools Fire on PBS, The Tempest re-staged for Central Parks Shakespeare plays and the bloody and terrible tragedy of Titus Andronicus mounted on film. But here, for the first time, I was given the background information that invariably leads to an enrichment of understanding. It is an eye-opening view, indeed. Ms. Blumenthal has not always been appreciative of Ms. Taymors ideas and thats perfectly acceptable. However, Ms. Taymors use of light, scrims, puppetry, masks and innovative costumes has won her more fans than detractors and this book clearly shows why. A powerful and worthy addition to the home of many an art lover.