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What is Okinawa Shibai (Okinawan Play)?
Classification according to Emotional Content
Classification according to Scenes
Classification according to Styles
Classification according to Historical Background
Classification according to Local Background
Classification according to Performers
The Archives of Performances
The History of Okinawan Plays
The Modern Entertainment Play in Okinawa (Okinawa shibai)

Classification according to Styles
Okinawan Opera

Description
Kageki is one of typical Okinawan folk entertainments with elements of opera and musical theater. Its simple composition and theme have been popular among local people. Most of the early days' kageki were 10-15 minutes short comedies and they gradually became longer with a variety of stories in step with the time. The dramaturgy that is characterized by punched up players' elocution and insertions of folk songs suited for the scenes is very effective to attract an audience. Folk songs used in the play were beloved and often sung by local people so that kageki produced many popular songs. Three major Okinawan kageki are "Tomaiaka", "Iejima Hando Gwa", "Okuyama no Botan." And there are two more popular kageki, "Yakushido" and "Nakagusuku Jowa."

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A typical type of Okinawan play
Tomaiaka Tomaiaka Iejima Handuugwa Iejima Handuugwa The Peonies in a Deep Forest The Peonies in a Deep Forest
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