Chinese Street Opera

[Richard Barrow]

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I just came back from the opera. No, it wasn't an expensive production in Bangkok. It was the local Chinese street opera. It is free for people to watch as it is often put on for dead ancestors. Rich people often pay for these operas to be performed during Chinese festivals. It doesn't matter if not many people go to watch.

[Betti]

the exact same thing was on in Chiang Mai Chinatown every night for two weeks after Chinese new year in 2006 and 2007. the stage was set up next to the police station, by the river. I think shows started at 8. I don't know if it's happening this year. interesting. definitely better pictures than videos! I noticed it is especially wonderful if you change the pictures to black and white, or sepia

[Richard Barrow]

Here a couple of pictures I took tonight. I tried black and white but like the colour version - mainly because the backdrop has so much colour!

[Betti]

the Chinese fascination with mismatching and garish colours is a little bit too much for me, but it is definitely something to see

[yeows]

How was the crowd turn-out at the opera show? Are there only old folks watching the show?

[Marie]

I saw this in Chachoengsao many years ago. Colorful contumes! My foster siblings brought me there. After the show we stopped at a foodstall to eat some noodles and desserts. What a treat! LOL

[Richard Barrow]

Mainly old folks. Not too many in the audience. Most people were on the other side of the street watching the free action movie.

[dbm]

I love the vibrant colors.

Don't want to sound stupid here I know it's Chinese Opera but the singing doesn't sound Chinese. Did they sing it in Thai?

[Richard Barrow]

Yes but with a strong Chinese accent which makes it difficult to understand. You have to get used to it.

[yeows]

This is a good example of the assimilation ability of the Chinese when they arrived from China. They have preserved their culture/heritage and at the same time introduced Thai elements into their way of life. That is a skill that has been finely honed and has successfully served them all this while.