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A Night At The Opera

21 images Created 26 Jan 2014

Chinese opera has long been a staple of life in the Thai-Chinese community (about 14% of Thais are of Chinese descent). As Chinese emigrated to Thailand they brought the opera with them. Chinese opera though is a dying art form - more and more people are going to the local movie theaters or online for their entertainment and forsaking the opera.

Opera performers live an itinerant life, traveling from temple to temple for performances. They sleep in tents in the temple courtyards or hammocks slung beneath the stage.

A performance can last anywhere from three to four hours. Sometimes just two or three people will be in the audience. But the show must go on.

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  • 25 JANUARY 2014 - BANG LUANG, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A performer with the Sing Tong Teochew opera troupe relaxes in a hammock before a show in a Chinese shrine in the town of Bang Luang, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. The Sing Tong Teochew opera troupe has been together for 60 years and travels through central Thailand and Bangkok performing for mostly ethnic Chinese audiences. Chinese opera was once very popular in Thailand, where it is called “Ngiew.” It is usually performed in the Teochew language. Millions of Chinese emigrated to Thailand (then Siam) in the 18th and 19th centuries and brought their cultural practices with them. Recently the popularity of ngiew has faded as people turn to performances of opera on DVD or movies. There are still as many 30 Chinese opera troupes left in Bangkok and its environs. They are especially busy during Chinese New Year when travel from Chinese temple to Chinese temple performing on stages they put up in streets near the temple, sometimes sleeping on hammocks they sling under their stage.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChineseOperaNakhonPathom002.jpg
  • 25 JANUARY 2014 - BANG LUANG, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A performer with the Sing Tong Teochew opera troupe gets into character before a show in a Chinese shrine in the town of Bang Luang, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. The Sing Tong Teochew opera troupe has been together for 60 years and travels through central Thailand and Bangkok performing for mostly ethnic Chinese audiences. Chinese opera was once very popular in Thailand, where it is called “Ngiew.” It is usually performed in the Teochew language. Millions of Chinese emigrated to Thailand (then Siam) in the 18th and 19th centuries and brought their cultural practices with them. Recently the popularity of ngiew has faded as people turn to performances of opera on DVD or movies. There are still as many 30 Chinese opera troupes left in Bangkok and its environs. They are especially busy during Chinese New Year when travel from Chinese temple to Chinese temple performing on stages they put up in streets near the temple, sometimes sleeping on hammocks they sling under their stage.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChineseOperaNakhonPathom008.jpg
  • 25 JANUARY 2014 - BANG LUANG, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A performer with the Sing Tong Teochew opera troupe gets into character before a show in a Chinese shrine in the town of Bang Luang, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. The Sing Tong Teochew opera troupe has been together for 60 years and travels through central Thailand and Bangkok performing for mostly ethnic Chinese audiences. Chinese opera was once very popular in Thailand, where it is called “Ngiew.” It is usually performed in the Teochew language. Millions of Chinese emigrated to Thailand (then Siam) in the 18th and 19th centuries and brought their cultural practices with them. Recently the popularity of ngiew has faded as people turn to performances of opera on DVD or movies. There are still as many 30 Chinese opera troupes left in Bangkok and its environs. They are especially busy during Chinese New Year when travel from Chinese temple to Chinese temple performing on stages they put up in streets near the temple, sometimes sleeping on hammocks they sling under their stage.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChineseOperaNakhonPathom009.jpg
  • 25 JANUARY 2014 - BANG LUANG, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A performer with the Sing Tong Teochew opera troupe prays at a Chinese alter backstage before a show in a Chinese shrine in the town of Bang Luang, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. The Sing Tong Teochew opera troupe has been together for 60 years and travels through central Thailand and Bangkok performing for mostly ethnic Chinese audiences. Chinese opera was once very popular in Thailand, where it is called “Ngiew.” It is usually performed in the Teochew language. Millions of Chinese emigrated to Thailand (then Siam) in the 18th and 19th centuries and brought their cultural practices with them. Recently the popularity of ngiew has faded as people turn to performances of opera on DVD or movies. There are still as many 30 Chinese opera troupes left in Bangkok and its environs. They are especially busy during Chinese New Year when travel from Chinese temple to Chinese temple performing on stages they put up in streets near the temple, sometimes sleeping on hammocks they sling under their stage.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChineseOperaNakhonPathom016.jpg
  • 25 JANUARY 2014 - BANG LUANG, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A member of the Sing Tong Teochew opera troupe comforts her baby before a show. The Sing Tong Teochew opera troupe has been together for 60 years and travels through central Thailand and Bangkok performing for mostly ethnic Chinese audiences.  Chinese opera was once very popular in Thailand, where it is called “Ngiew.” It is usually performed in the Teochew language. Millions of Chinese emigrated to Thailand (then Siam) in the 18th and 19th centuries and brought their cultural practices with them. Recently the popularity of ngiew has faded as people turn to performances of opera on DVD or movies. There are still as many 30 Chinese opera troupes left in Bangkok and its environs. They are especially busy during Chinese New Year when travel from Chinese temple to Chinese temple performing on stages they put up in streets near the temple, sometimes sleeping on hammocks they sling under their stage.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChineseOperaNakhonPathom019.jpg
  • 25 JANUARY 2014 - BANG LUANG, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A performer with the Sing Tong Teochew opera troupe gets into character before a show in a Chinese shrine in the town of Bang Luang, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. The Sing Tong Teochew opera troupe has been together for 60 years and travels through central Thailand and Bangkok performing for mostly ethnic Chinese audiences. Chinese opera was once very popular in Thailand, where it is called “Ngiew.” It is usually performed in the Teochew language. Millions of Chinese emigrated to Thailand (then Siam) in the 18th and 19th centuries and brought their cultural practices with them. Recently the popularity of ngiew has faded as people turn to performances of opera on DVD or movies. There are still as many 30 Chinese opera troupes left in Bangkok and its environs. They are especially busy during Chinese New Year when travel from Chinese temple to Chinese temple performing on stages they put up in streets near the temple, sometimes sleeping on hammocks they sling under their stage.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChineseOperaNakhonPathom020.jpg
  • 25 JANUARY 2014 - BANG LUANG, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A musician with the Sing Tong Teochew opera troupe rehearses before a show in a Chinese shrine in the town of Bang Luang, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. The Sing Tong Teochew opera troupe has been together for 60 years and travels through central Thailand and Bangkok performing for mostly ethnic Chinese audiences. Chinese opera was once very popular in Thailand, where it is called “Ngiew.” It is usually performed in the Teochew language. Millions of Chinese emigrated to Thailand (then Siam) in the 18th and 19th centuries and brought their cultural practices with them. Recently the popularity of ngiew has faded as people turn to performances of opera on DVD or movies. There are still as many 30 Chinese opera troupes left in Bangkok and its environs. They are especially busy during Chinese New Year when travel from Chinese temple to Chinese temple performing on stages they put up in streets near the temple, sometimes sleeping on hammocks they sling under their stage.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChineseOperaNakhonPathom021.jpg
  • 25 JANUARY 2014 - BANG LUANG, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A performer with the Sing Tong Teochew opera troupe gets into character before a show in a Chinese shrine in the town of Bang Luang, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. The Sing Tong Teochew opera troupe has been together for 60 years and travels through central Thailand and Bangkok performing for mostly ethnic Chinese audiences. Chinese opera was once very popular in Thailand, where it is called “Ngiew.” It is usually performed in the Teochew language. Millions of Chinese emigrated to Thailand (then Siam) in the 18th and 19th centuries and brought their cultural practices with them. Recently the popularity of ngiew has faded as people turn to performances of opera on DVD or movies. There are still as many 30 Chinese opera troupes left in Bangkok and its environs. They are especially busy during Chinese New Year when travel from Chinese temple to Chinese temple performing on stages they put up in streets near the temple, sometimes sleeping on hammocks they sling under their stage.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChineseOperaNakhonPathom026.jpg
  • 25 JANUARY 2014 - BANG LUANG, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: Performers with the Sing Tong Teochew opera troupe relax backstage during a show in a Chinese shrine in the town of Bang Luang, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. The Sing Tong Teochew opera troupe has been together for 60 years and travels through central Thailand and Bangkok performing for mostly ethnic Chinese audiences. Chinese opera was once very popular in Thailand, where it is called “Ngiew.” It is usually performed in the Teochew language. Millions of Chinese emigrated to Thailand (then Siam) in the 18th and 19th centuries and brought their cultural practices with them. Recently the popularity of ngiew has faded as people turn to performances of opera on DVD or movies. There are still as many 30 Chinese opera troupes left in Bangkok and its environs. They are especially busy during Chinese New Year when travel from Chinese temple to Chinese temple performing on stages they put up in streets near the temple, sometimes sleeping on hammocks they sling under their stage.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChineseOperaNakhonPathom027.jpg
  • 25 JANUARY 2014 - BANG LUANG, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A performer with the Sing Tong Teochew opera troupe gets into character before a show in a Chinese shrine in the town of Bang Luang, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. The Sing Tong Teochew opera troupe has been together for 60 years and travels through central Thailand and Bangkok performing for mostly ethnic Chinese audiences. Chinese opera was once very popular in Thailand, where it is called “Ngiew.” It is usually performed in the Teochew language. Millions of Chinese emigrated to Thailand (then Siam) in the 18th and 19th centuries and brought their cultural practices with them. Recently the popularity of ngiew has faded as people turn to performances of opera on DVD or movies. There are still as many 30 Chinese opera troupes left in Bangkok and its environs. They are especially busy during Chinese New Year when travel from Chinese temple to Chinese temple performing on stages they put up in streets near the temple, sometimes sleeping on hammocks they sling under their stage.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChineseOperaNakhonPathom033.jpg
  • 25 JANUARY 2014 - BANG LUANG, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: Performers with the Sing Tong Teochew opera troupe relax backstage during a show in a Chinese shrine in the town of Bang Luang, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. The Sing Tong Teochew opera troupe has been together for 60 years and travels through central Thailand and Bangkok performing for mostly ethnic Chinese audiences. Chinese opera was once very popular in Thailand, where it is called “Ngiew.” It is usually performed in the Teochew language. Millions of Chinese emigrated to Thailand (then Siam) in the 18th and 19th centuries and brought their cultural practices with them. Recently the popularity of ngiew has faded as people turn to performances of opera on DVD or movies. There are still as many 30 Chinese opera troupes left in Bangkok and its environs. They are especially busy during Chinese New Year when travel from Chinese temple to Chinese temple performing on stages they put up in streets near the temple, sometimes sleeping on hammocks they sling under their stage.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChineseOperaNakhonPathom035.jpg
  • 25 JANUARY 2014 - BANG LUANG, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A performer with the Sing Tong Teochew opera troupe gets into character before a show in a Chinese shrine in the town of Bang Luang, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. The Sing Tong Teochew opera troupe has been together for 60 years and travels through central Thailand and Bangkok performing for mostly ethnic Chinese audiences. Chinese opera was once very popular in Thailand, where it is called “Ngiew.” It is usually performed in the Teochew language. Millions of Chinese emigrated to Thailand (then Siam) in the 18th and 19th centuries and brought their cultural practices with them. Recently the popularity of ngiew has faded as people turn to performances of opera on DVD or movies. There are still as many 30 Chinese opera troupes left in Bangkok and its environs. They are especially busy during Chinese New Year when travel from Chinese temple to Chinese temple performing on stages they put up in streets near the temple, sometimes sleeping on hammocks they sling under their stage.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChineseOperaNakhonPathom037.jpg
  • 25 JANUARY 2014 - BANG LUANG, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: Performers with the Sing Tong Teochew opera troupe take the stage during a show in a Chinese shrine in the town of Bang Luang, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. The Sing Tong Teochew opera troupe has been together for 60 years and travels through central Thailand and Bangkok performing for mostly ethnic Chinese audiences. Chinese opera was once very popular in Thailand, where it is called “Ngiew.” It is usually performed in the Teochew language. Millions of Chinese emigrated to Thailand (then Siam) in the 18th and 19th centuries and brought their cultural practices with them. Recently the popularity of ngiew has faded as people turn to performances of opera on DVD or movies. There are still as many 30 Chinese opera troupes left in Bangkok and its environs. They are especially busy during Chinese New Year when travel from Chinese temple to Chinese temple performing on stages they put up in streets near the temple, sometimes sleeping on hammocks they sling under their stage.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChineseOperaNakhonPathom041.jpg
  • 25 JANUARY 2014 - BANG LUANG, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: The audience watches the Sing Tong Teochew opera troupe during a show in a Chinese shrine in the town of Bang Luang, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. The Sing Tong Teochew opera troupe has been together for 60 years and travels through central Thailand and Bangkok performing for mostly ethnic Chinese audiences. Chinese opera was once very popular in Thailand, where it is called “Ngiew.” It is usually performed in the Teochew language. Millions of Chinese emigrated to Thailand (then Siam) in the 18th and 19th centuries and brought their cultural practices with them. Recently the popularity of ngiew has faded as people turn to performances of opera on DVD or movies. There are still as many 30 Chinese opera troupes left in Bangkok and its environs. They are especially busy during Chinese New Year when travel from Chinese temple to Chinese temple performing on stages they put up in streets near the temple, sometimes sleeping on hammocks they sling under their stage.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChineseOperaNakhonPathom053.jpg
  • 25 JANUARY 2014 - BANG LUANG, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A performer backstage at a Chinese opera performance in a small town near Bang Luang, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. Chinese opera was once very popular in Thailand, where it is called “Ngiew.” It is usually performed in the Teochew language. Millions of Chinese emigrated to Thailand (then Siam) in the 18th and 19th centuries and brought their cultural practices with them. Recently the popularity of ngiew has faded as people turn to performances of opera on DVD or movies. There are still as many 30 Chinese opera troupes left in Bangkok and its environs. They are especially busy during Chinese New Year when travel from Chinese temple to Chinese temple performing on stages they put up in streets near the temple, sometimes sleeping on hammocks they sling under their stage.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChineseOperaNakhonPathom064.jpg
  • 25 JANUARY 2014 - BANG LUANG, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: The audience watches the Sing Tong Teochew opera troupe during a show in a Chinese shrine in the town of Bang Luang, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. The Sing Tong Teochew opera troupe has been together for 60 years and travels through central Thailand and Bangkok performing for mostly ethnic Chinese audiences. Chinese opera was once very popular in Thailand, where it is called “Ngiew.” It is usually performed in the Teochew language. Millions of Chinese emigrated to Thailand (then Siam) in the 18th and 19th centuries and brought their cultural practices with them. Recently the popularity of ngiew has faded as people turn to performances of opera on DVD or movies. There are still as many 30 Chinese opera troupes left in Bangkok and its environs. They are especially busy during Chinese New Year when travel from Chinese temple to Chinese temple performing on stages they put up in streets near the temple, sometimes sleeping on hammocks they sling under their stage.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChineseOperaNakhonPathom042.jpg
  • 25 JANUARY 2014 - BANG LUANG, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: Performers get into character for a Chinese opera performance in a small town near Bang Luang, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. Chinese opera was once very popular in Thailand, where it is called “Ngiew.” It is usually performed in the Teochew language. Millions of Chinese emigrated to Thailand (then Siam) in the 18th and 19th centuries and brought their cultural practices with them. Recently the popularity of ngiew has faded as people turn to performances of opera on DVD or movies. There are still as many 30 Chinese opera troupes left in Bangkok and its environs. They are especially busy during Chinese New Year when travel from Chinese temple to Chinese temple performing on stages they put up in streets near the temple, sometimes sleeping on hammocks they sling under their stage.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChineseOperaNakhonPathom065.jpg
  • 25 JANUARY 2014 - BANG LUANG, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A performer with the Sing Tong Teochew opera troupe gets into character before a show in a Chinese shrine in the town of Bang Luang, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. The Sing Tong Teochew opera troupe has been together for 60 years and travels through central Thailand and Bangkok performing for mostly ethnic Chinese audiences. Chinese opera was once very popular in Thailand, where it is called “Ngiew.” It is usually performed in the Teochew language. Millions of Chinese emigrated to Thailand (then Siam) in the 18th and 19th centuries and brought their cultural practices with them. Recently the popularity of ngiew has faded as people turn to performances of opera on DVD or movies. There are still as many 30 Chinese opera troupes left in Bangkok and its environs. They are especially busy during Chinese New Year when travel from Chinese temple to Chinese temple performing on stages they put up in streets near the temple, sometimes sleeping on hammocks they sling under their stage.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChineseOperaNakhonPathom058.jpg
  • 25 JANUARY 2014 - BANG LUANG, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: The Sing Tong Teochew opera troupe performs in a Chinese shrine in the village of Bang Luang, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. The Sing Tong Teochew opera troupe has been together for 60 years and travels through central Thailand and Bangkok performing for mostly ethnic Chinese audiences.  Chinese opera was once very popular in Thailand, where it is called “Ngiew.” It is usually performed in the Teochew language. Millions of Chinese emigrated to Thailand (then Siam) in the 18th and 19th centuries and brought their cultural practices with them. Recently the popularity of ngiew has faded as people turn to performances of opera on DVD or movies. There are still as many 30 Chinese opera troupes left in Bangkok and its environs. They are especially busy during Chinese New Year when travel from Chinese temple to Chinese temple performing on stages they put up in streets near the temple, sometimes sleeping on hammocks they sling under their stage.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChineseOperaNakhonPathom050.jpg
  • 25 JANUARY 2014 - BANG LUANG, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: The Sing Tong Teochew opera troupe performs in a Chinese shrine in the village of Bang Luang, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. The Sing Tong Teochew opera troupe has been together for 60 years and travels through central Thailand and Bangkok performing for mostly ethnic Chinese audiences.  Chinese opera was once very popular in Thailand, where it is called “Ngiew.” It is usually performed in the Teochew language. Millions of Chinese emigrated to Thailand (then Siam) in the 18th and 19th centuries and brought their cultural practices with them. Recently the popularity of ngiew has faded as people turn to performances of opera on DVD or movies. There are still as many 30 Chinese opera troupes left in Bangkok and its environs. They are especially busy during Chinese New Year when travel from Chinese temple to Chinese temple performing on stages they put up in streets near the temple, sometimes sleeping on hammocks they sling under their stage.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChineseOperaNakhonPathom060.jpg
  • 25 JANUARY 2014 - BANG LUANG, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A Chinese opera performance in a small town near Bang Luang, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. Chinese opera was once very popular in Thailand, where it is called “Ngiew.” It is usually performed in the Teochew language. Millions of Chinese emigrated to Thailand (then Siam) in the 18th and 19th centuries and brought their cultural practices with them. Recently the popularity of ngiew has faded as people turn to performances of opera on DVD or movies. There are still as many 30 Chinese opera troupes left in Bangkok and its environs. They are especially busy during Chinese New Year when travel from Chinese temple to Chinese temple performing on stages they put up in streets near the temple, sometimes sleeping on hammocks they sling under their stage.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChineseOperaNakhonPathom067.jpg
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Jack Kurtz, Photojournalist & Travel Photographer

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