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In Pictures: Chinese opera hits a high note

Traditional Chinese opera is one of the oldest performing arts in the world.

A Chinese opera performer waits on the stage before the show.
A Chinese opera performer waits on the stage before the show.
By 
Biel Calderon
23 Oct 2014

Bangkok, Thailand – Chinese opera is an ancient art that combines drama, music, literature – along with acrobatics and martial arts.

Traditional Chinese opera is one of the oldest performing arts in the world. The opera dates back to China’s early history with its importance ramping up in the 13th century during the Song Dynasty.

The Lao Sa Jia Sung Thai-Chinese troupe has been performing the Teochew Opera since the mid-1960s, and some of its current members have been around from the begining.

Lao Sa Jia Sung recently performed at the Chinese Jing Sia Ma shrine in the heart of Bangkok’s Chinatown. The team, consisting of about 30 members, delivers a delightful daily show for its mostly Thai-Chinese audience. The troupe will now travel around neighbouring Southeast Asian countries for the next six months. 

Performers spend several hours a day applying makeup backstage and getting into character. They need to be physically and mentally ready since each performance lasts for about five hours. 

A member of Lao San Zian Sung applies makeup backstage. They spend several hours getting ready for the show.
A member of Lao San Zian Sung applies makeup backstage. They spend several hours getting ready for the show.
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The Lao San Zian Sung Chinese opera recently performed at a Chinese shrine in the heart of Bangkok(***)s Chinatown.
The Lao San Zian Sung Chinese opera recently performed at a Chinese shrine in the heart of Bangkok(***)s Chinatown.
A performer plays with the youngest member of the company on the stage before the show.
A performer plays with the youngest member of the company on the stage before the show.
Lao San Zian Sung performers smoke cigarettes and relax prior to hitting the stage.
Lao San Zian Sung performers smoke cigarettes and relax prior to hitting the stage.
An opera performer stretches out before the show.
An opera performer stretches out before the show.
Space backstage is limited, so the artists have to take turns applying makeup and getting dressed.
Space backstage is limited, so the artists have to take turns applying makeup and getting dressed.
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Chinese opera has been performed for hundreds of years.
Chinese opera has been performed for hundreds of years.
A show can run for five to six hours.
A show can run for five to six hours.
The Lao San Zian Sung Thai-Chinese opera troupe has been performing since the mid-1960s.
The Lao San Zian Sung Thai-Chinese opera troupe has been performing since the mid-1960s.
Performers need to be physically and mentally ready since the show lasts for hours.
Performers need to be physically and mentally ready since the show lasts for hours.
Despite busy activity backstage, performers always remain in character.
Despite busy activity backstage, performers always remain in character.
Colours are used to portray a character(***)s role and illustrate their emotional state.
Colours are used to portray a character(***)s role and illustrate their emotional state.
A member of Lao San Zian Sung waits his turn to take part in the show. 
A member of Lao San Zian Sung waits his turn to take part in the show. 
The Thai-Chinese opera has about 30 members and some have been with the troupe since the early beginnings in the 1960s.
The Thai-Chinese opera has about 30 members and some have been with the troupe since the early beginnings in the 1960s.
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