XIQU - traditional Chinese Opera in Thailand
86 images Created 27 Mar 2017
An ever dwindling number of dedicated troupes perform traditional Chinese Opera in a series of temples and shrines tucked away mostly in and around Bangkok's Chinatown district.
The performers often erect the stage and set themselves or, when there is insufficient space, they may perform at street level.Often they sleep beneath the stage and live nomadic existences rather like gypsies.
Audiences frequently amount to just a handful of family and friends, yet a strong sense of community is evident amongst the performers. Often with children and babies in-tow, three generations of performers can be found in a performing troupe.
Financing the operation is precarious with local businessmen or women largely sponsoring the performances.
--------------------------------------------------
Nomadic by nature, and as a qualified geologist, Jeremy wandered into the Himalaya in 1987, teaching himself documentary photography. He has worked in over 100 countries over the last three decades, producing nine books, including Living Incas and Island Dreams: Mediterranean. His latest book, Nirvana, The Spread of Buddhism through Asia won a prestigious Benjamin Franklin Medal.
The performers often erect the stage and set themselves or, when there is insufficient space, they may perform at street level.Often they sleep beneath the stage and live nomadic existences rather like gypsies.
Audiences frequently amount to just a handful of family and friends, yet a strong sense of community is evident amongst the performers. Often with children and babies in-tow, three generations of performers can be found in a performing troupe.
Financing the operation is precarious with local businessmen or women largely sponsoring the performances.
--------------------------------------------------
Nomadic by nature, and as a qualified geologist, Jeremy wandered into the Himalaya in 1987, teaching himself documentary photography. He has worked in over 100 countries over the last three decades, producing nine books, including Living Incas and Island Dreams: Mediterranean. His latest book, Nirvana, The Spread of Buddhism through Asia won a prestigious Benjamin Franklin Medal.
