ChineseOpera120614

06 DECEMBER 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: A Chinese opera performer puts on his makeup before going on stage at the Ruby Goddess Shrine in the Dusit district of Bangkok. 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 culture with them. Recently the popularity of ngiew has faded as people turn to performances of opera on DVD or movies. There are about 30 Chinese opera troupes left in Bangkok and its environs. They are especially busy during Chinese New Year and Chinese holidays when they 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

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Filename: ChineseOpera120614010.jpg
Copyright: © 2014 Jack Kurtz
Image Size: 4608x3456 / 14.0MB; 120614 Bangkok Chinese Opera Culture Ethnic Make Up Music Ngiew Performing Arts Religion Teochew Thailand
Contained in galleries: Chinese Opera (All), Thailand (All)

06 DECEMBER 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: A Chinese opera performer puts on his makeup before going on stage at the Ruby Goddess Shrine in the Dusit district of Bangkok. 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 culture with them. Recently the popularity of ngiew has faded as people turn to performances of opera on DVD or movies. There are about 30 Chinese opera troupes left in Bangkok and its environs. They are especially busy during Chinese New Year and Chinese holidays when they 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