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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
Modern Shibai

Description
In 1896 soshi-shibai (radical political drama) came from Japan mainland was on show for the fist time in Okinawa and its realistic stage effects, for example use of fake gore, gave the audience a big surprise. Also in 1916, new stage effect called rensageki, in which some scenes were shown on a movie screen and the actors and actresses appeared there delivered their lines from behind the screen, was developed for Okinawan plays. Such unique dramaturgies; developed to improve Okinawan stage performances, were popular as long as they excited the curiosity of the audience, but became obsolete as movies attracted much bigger audiences.

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A typical type of Okinawan play
Yakushido Yakushido Untama Giru and Andakwe Booja Untama Giru and Andakwe Booja Yushiya Chiru Story Yushiya Chiru Story
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