Julie Taymor, Playing With Fire: Theater Opera Film

by Eileen Blumenthal and Julie Taymor

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.

Genres: Theatre, Nonfiction

200 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1995

Reviews

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here is a handsome coffeetable book filled with glorious pictures recording Julie Taymor’s artistry. In the words of a reviewer and her subject, the work of one of today’s most visionary directors is explored up until the year 1995. An in-depth biography is followed by an equally incisive look at some of Taymor’s most well-known pieces. I myself have had the pleasure of seeing “Fool’s Fire” on PBS, The Tempest re-staged for Central Park’s 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. Taymor’s ideas and that’s perfectly acceptable. However, Ms. Taymor’s 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.

[Diane]

I wish I had a little fraction of her talent. Follows taymo's career. I taugt 2 classes all about her. Her new beatles movie is out now.

[Julian · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREAT BOOK.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing career.

[kev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Came away with second degree burns.

[gautam]

everyone will love it

[Chris]

dry and boring but a time consumer