Before Okinawa Shibai became popular, classical Kumiodori, such as "Nakijin Yuraiki", "Chooja no Uhshu" had been performed. Then, the brilliant period of the new dances came in, and such dances as "Shimabushi", "Tanchame", "Kanayoo", "Hanazono", "Munjuru", "Kabirabushigwa", "Danjo Shinobu Odori" were choreographed, which is the base of modern Okinawan folk dances. These developed into "Wandotariichoo"(a style of drama which began with actors' self-introduction) which was the starting point of the so-called Okinawan opera. And "Serifugeki" was born, which was modeled on "Kyoogen". And then the styles of Okinawan operas, Serifugeki and Shigeki(History drama or Samurai drama) appeared. Kabuki, acrobats or films invaded Okinawa, but on the other hand Okinawa Shibai was making a new wave, adapting a new culture in a progressive manner. In 1930's that was the golden age of Okinawa Shibai. The new Okinawan operas, "Nakagusuku Jowa" and "Aino Amagasa", were choreographed and the style of Okinawan opera was established. Then, Okinawa Shibai was widely performed in various styles as a modern drama, namely a Samurai drama, a love story, a tragedy, a military drama, a home drama, an instructive drama or a ghost story. A general program of Okinawa Shibai at that time was mainly "a comedy (a short story or one man play)", "an Okinawan opera" and "a Samurai drama (including dances)". Thus, the basic styles of Okinawa Shibai were established in a short time.

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