“Roppeita Kita is more than a legend in Japan. During his life he was a living shrine – so revered that all who entered the theater when he was on stage fell to their knees in respect. At ninety-plus, when I photographed him, he was one of the greatest actors of the Noh drama, a form of theater that has been so meticulously refined over seven centuries, so filled with subtle symbolism, that even few contemporary Japanese can fully appreciate all its nuances.

“…Kita’s son, and his grandson, acted in the same Noh company. The graceful young man in the portrait is Kita’s grandson; I wanted to include him to stress the continuity of tradition. He proved most helpful, as well, in conveying messages by shouting – with utmost respect – into the elder’s ear. The photograph was taken on the stage of the Kita Noh Theatre in Tokyo. The painted screen in the background was the only scenery: the pine trees are symbolic of the Noh drama – and of eternity.”