Professor Kominz received his Ph.D. in Japanese literature from Columbia University under the supervision of Donald Keene. Prof. Kominz' writing and research specialty is Japanese drama, and he has also taken performance lessons in Japan in noh, kyôgen, kabuki, and gidayû bushi (recitation for Bunraku puppet theatre).
Kominz teaches courses in Japanese language, literature, drama, and film, and he also directs fully realized kyôgen and kabuki plays in English. Recent productions include The Castle Tower (kabuki) in 2017 and Kyogen, Dance, Drums 2019. Dr. Kominz' most recent book is Mishima on Stage: The Black Lizard and Other Plays.
Published Books:
- Mishima on Stage: The Black Lizard and Other Plays
- Avatars of Vengeance: Japanese Drama and the Soga Literary Tradition
- The Language of the Puppet
- The Stars Who Created Kabuki: Their Lives, Loves and Legacy
Kabuki Plays: