Thanks to Lorna Marshall, these ruminations on the actor's art are organized and brought together with discussions of method so that it is conversational and discursive, yet still coherent. Yoshi Oida discusses eastern techniques for the western artist, putting western ideas about acting into relief and offering useful tools. Some may find discussions of technique only whet the appetite for what the book does not offer - a more systematic approach to working on character, text, and partner work. The book serves more for inspiration than training, though Oida does make many practical suggestions for warming up and preparing for the work. Oida has the background and experience - especially his work with Peter Brook's truly international theatre - to transcend east and west; and his love for the craft of acting, for precision as well as freedom, make this required reading for acting students and teachers.