The Invisible Actor presents the captivating and unique methods of the distinguished Japanese actor and director, Yoshi Oida. While a member of Peter Brook’s theatre company in Paris, Yoshi Oida developed a masterful approach to acting that combined the oriental tradition of supreme and studied control with the Western performer’s need to characterise and expose depths of emotion.

Written with Lorna Marshall, Yoshi Oida explains that once the audience becomes openly aware of the actor’s method and becomes too conscious of the actor’s artistry, the wonder of performance dies. The audience must never see the actor but only his or her performance. Throughout Lorna Marshall provides contextual commentary on Yoshi Oida’s work and methods.

In a new foreword to accompany the Bloomsbury Revelations edition, Yoshi Oida revisits the questions that have informed his career as an actor and explores how his skilful approach to acting has shaped the wider contours of his life.

Author Biography

Yoshi Oida became the first member of Peter Brook’s international theatre company in Paris in 1968. Trained in the traditional Japanese arts of Noh theatre, Kabuki dance and Bunraku storytelling, since joining he has become a leading member of the company. He participated in the extraordinary explorative journey through Africa, and has played starring roles in The Ik, The Conference of the Birds, The Mahabharata and The Tempest. He was made Chevalier de l’Ordre des Art et des Lettres in 1992, and in 2007, made an officer of the same order.

Lorna Marshall has taught physical acting to performers in almost every area, from ballet dancers to classical actors and opera singers, and from performance artists to circus acts. She has worked with companies such as The Royal Shakespeare Company, Shared Experience, The Royal National Theatre, and The Consort of Musicke. She runs international workshops and is currently Honorary Research Fellow at The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, and Adviser on Actor Training at the New National Theatre, Tokyo.

We are committed to protecting your rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act and working with our suppliers to assist with warranty claims. Products sold by Mighty Ape will be covered by a Manufacturer's Warranty for at least a one-year period from the date of purchase.

Your warranty will cover any manufacturing defects which, if existing, will present themselves within this warranty period.

Your warranty will not cover normal wear and tear, faults caused by misuse, and accidents which cause damage or theft caused after delivery. Using the product in a way it is not designed for will void your warranty.

Please refer to our Help Centre for more information.