ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses how Sinpa theatre (新派劇) developed as the new Westernized modern theatre in Korea. Its historical meaning, early troupes, and their productions are examined. As time went on, Sinpa evolved into Improved Sinpa, which is influenced by the early realistic theatre in the 1920s, removed the tone and accent of the Japanese language, and refrained from excessively exaggerated lines and acting. Finally, High Sinpa came into being in the 1930s with the establishment of the Oriental Theatre. High Sinpa theatre showed the essence of commercialism by recruiting many talented people supported by their solid budget. Among them, there were directors such as Hong HaeSeong, a leader of realism theatre. Sinpa theatre was highly popular for its sensibility, music and stage techniques, and complicated plots. Following the popularity of Sinpa theatre, new genres such as film-combined theatre Yeonswaegeuk (連鎖劇) and musical Akgeuk (樂劇) came about.
