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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)

The History of Okinawan Plays
Postwar period to 21st Century

Description
The entertainment business which had been interrupted after the war started again by establishing three playhouses - Matsu, Take and Ume - under the protection of the government. In 1947, they were privitized and more than 40 playhouses were established by the beginning of 1950. Open air theaters(Nakamo) were built in various places and play acting reached its peak. Theater companies provided not only conventional dramas but new ones and they were supported by the theatergoers. But the advent of TV brought great changes to the management of the theaters and they could not operate the theater companies. Conseconquently, they disappeared one after another.

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A typical type of Okinawan play
The Life of Faithful Ufuaragusuku The Life of Faithful Ufuaragusuku Flowers on the Beach Flowers on the Beach Signal Fire for Departure Signal Fire for Departure
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