The History of Okinawan Plays

In about 1881, players of the samurai (or warrior) opened a playhouse (an open-air theater), which was the start of the theatrical world in Okinawa. In 1882 three authorized professional theaters were built in Naminoue in Naha City - the Hon-theater(Shimo no shibai), the Naka-theater(Naka no shibai) and New-theater(Kami no shibai). These three theaters took an important part in performing plays, competing with the Okinawa theater, the Kyuyo theater and the Naka theater with their own characteristics. In those days, new dramas were originated and the so-called Ryukyu operas were established by Inkichi Iraha and his co-actors. But these theaters were burnt down in the big fire of the 8 years of the Taisho era. After that, the so-called Okinawa shibai (Okinawan plays)transformed from the old style to the new one and reached a golden age owing to the players whose polished performances were presented in Sangoza (Sango-theater)and Shinrakuza(Shinraku theater). But the heavy U.S air attack of Oct. 10, 1944 destroyed all the theaters. After the war, in about 1945, actors who had been dispersed during the war got together to make acting companies under the protection of Okinawa Civil Administration. They visited refugee's camps to console the people. They were divided into three groups, -the Matsu troupe for the north area of Okinawa,the Take troupe for the middle area and the Matsu troupe for the south area. In the 22nd year of the Showa era the troupes were privitized and many other actors' groups were organized. The dramas of Okinawan dialect which were born 100 years ago are still living now after a few changes. Okinawa is the only prefecture in Japan which has this tradition.