Actors on stage during a performance of Chinese Opera in Bangkok, Thailand. The tradition of Chinese Opera performances is fading in Thailand as the descendants of Chinese immigrants, many of whom don't speak Chinese, lose interest in this art form. Audiences are growing smaller and older but the shows remain as colourful and dramatic as ever.

A stage view of a traditional chinese opera (known as Ngiew) during the Chinese new year festivities in the Yaowarat area of Bangkok. The chinese community constitutes a significant and influential minority in Thailand. Bangkok in particular has a large minority of Chinese and Thai-Chinese. Many Chinese immigrated to Thailand under re-population programs, working as laborers and merchants in the 1950s (particularly after the culture revolution in China), but the community has roots in Thailand going back hundreds of years. These days the ethnic Chinese minority controls much of the economic power of the country. Most younger generation Chinese have fully assimilated Thai culture, language and traditions. Chinese language, especially taechew, is still spoken among many elders. During the Chinese New Year Bangkok's chinatown comes alive with dragon dancing, traditional Chinese opera and a wide array of traditional delicacies.

Actors on stage during a performance of Chinese Opera in Bangkok, Thailand. The tradition of Chinese Opera performances is fading in Thailand as the descendants of Chinese immigrants, many of whom don't speak Chinese, lose interest in this art form. Audiences are growing smaller and older but the shows remain as colourful and dramatic as ever.

The heavily made up face of a character singing in a Chinese opera performance known as 'Ngiew' in Thailand.

Actors on stage during a performance of Chinese Opera in Bangkok, Thailand. The tradition of Chinese Opera performances is fading in Thailand as the descendants of Chinese immigrants, many of whom don't speak Chinese, lose interest in this art form. Audiences are growing smaller and older but the shows remain as colourful and dramatic as ever.

A stage view of a traditional chinese opera (known as Ngiew) during the Chinese new year festivities in the Yaowarat area of Bangkok. The chinese community constitutes a significant and influential minority in Thailand. Bangkok in particular has a large minority of Chinese and Thai-Chinese. Many Chinese immigrated to Thailand under re-population programs, working as laborers and merchants in the 1950s (particularly after the culture revolution in China), but the community has roots in Thailand going back hundreds of years. These days the ethnic Chinese minority controls much of the economic power of the country. Most younger generation Chinese have fully assimilated Thai culture, language and traditions. Chinese language, especially taechew, is still spoken among many elders. During the Chinese New Year Bangkok's chinatown comes alive with dragon dancing, traditional Chinese opera and a wide array of traditional delicacies.

A Chinese opera performer rushes onto the stage during a show in Bangkok. Chinese opera is performed in Thailand by itinerant groups of players, most of whom are from the northeastern region of Thailand known as Isan. It is characterised by its lavish costumes, the falsetto delivery of its actors and the highly stylised presentation of its set-piece stories which are drawn from Chinese folklore. Though the operas are performed in Chinese most of the actors don't understand Chinese and simply learn their parts by rote. Chinese opera is colourful reminder of the importance of Thailand's ethnic Chinese population, and of how Chinese culture has become an integral part of Thailand's cultural identity. Though the Chinese opera is appreciated by an ageing, and dwindling, population of Chinese speakers, the performers explain that audience sizes is of little importance since they essentially performing for the gods. The shows are usually sponsored by the local community, are free for all to attend and usually last between two and three days.

The audience looks less than enthralled during a Chinese Opera performance in Bangkok. Chinese opera is performed in Thailand by itinerant groups of players, most of whom are from the northeastern region of Thailand known as Isan. It is characterised by its lavish costumes, the falsetto delivery of its actors and the highly stylised presentation of its set-piece stories which are drawn from Chinese folklore. Though the operas are performed in Chinese most of the actors don't understand Chinese and simply learn their parts by rote. Chinese opera is colourful reminder of the importance of Thailand's ethnic Chinese population, and of how Chinese culture has become an integral part of Thailand's cultural identity. Though the Chinese opera is appreciated by an ageing, and dwindling, population of Chinese speakers, the performers explain that audience sizes is of little importance since they essentially performing for the gods. The shows are usually sponsored by the local community, are free for all to attend and usually last between two and three days.

A close up of the heavily made up face of a Chinese opera performer in Bangkok. Chinese opera is performed in Thailand by itinerant groups of players, most of whom are from the northeastern region of Thailand known as Isan. It is characterised by its lavish costumes, the falsetto delivery of its actors and the highly stylised presentation of its set-piece stories which are drawn from Chinese folklore. Though the operas are performed in Chinese most of the actors don't understand Chinese and simply learn their parts by rote. Chinese opera is colourful reminder of the importance of Thailand's ethnic Chinese population, and of how Chinese culture has become an integral part of Thailand's cultural identity. Though the Chinese opera is appreciated by an ageing, and dwindling, population of Chinese speakers, the performers explain that audience sizes is of little importance since they essentially performing for the gods. The shows are usually sponsored by the local community, are free for all to attend and usually last between two and three days.

A back stage scene during a Chinese opera performance in Bangkok. Chinese opera is performed in Thailand by itinerant groups of players, most of whom are from the northeastern region of Thailand known as Isan. It is characterised by its lavish costumes, the falsetto delivery of its actors and the highly stylised presentation of its set-piece stories which are drawn from Chinese folklore. Though the operas are performed in Chinese most of the actors don't understand Chinese and simply learn their parts by rote. Chinese opera is colourful reminder of the importance of Thailand's ethnic Chinese population, and of how Chinese culture has become an integral part of Thailand's cultural identity. Though the Chinese opera is appreciated by an ageing, and dwindling, population of Chinese speakers, the performers explain that audience sizes is of little importance since they essentially performing for the gods. The shows are usually sponsored by the local community, are free for all to attend and usually last between two and three days.

Chinese opera performers back stage as they prepare for a show. Chinese opera is performed in Thailand by itinerant groups of players, most of whom are from the northeastern region of Thailand known as Isan. It is characterised by its lavish costumes, the falsetto delivery of its actors and the highly stylised presentation of its set-piece stories which are drawn from Chinese folklore. Though the operas are performed in Chinese most of the actors don't understand Chinese and simply learn their parts by rote. Chinese opera is colourful reminder of the importance of Thailand's ethnic Chinese population, and of how Chinese culture has become an integral part of Thailand's cultural identity. Though the Chinese opera is appreciated by an ageing, and dwindling, population of Chinese speakers, the performers explain that audience sizes is of little importance since they essentially performing for the gods. The shows are usually sponsored by the local community, are free for all to attend and usually last between two and three days.

A Chinese Opera performer waits to go on stage during a show in Bangkok. Chinese opera is performed in Thailand by itinerant groups of players, most of whom are from the northeastern region of Thailand known as Isan. It is characterised by its lavish costumes, the falsetto delivery of its actors and the highly stylised presentation of its set-piece stories which are drawn from Chinese folklore. Though the operas are performed in Chinese most of the actors don't understand Chinese and simply learn their parts by rote. Chinese opera is colourful reminder of the importance of Thailand's ethnic Chinese population, and of how Chinese culture has become an integral part of Thailand's cultural identity. Though the Chinese opera is appreciated by an ageing, and dwindling, population of Chinese speakers, the performers explain that audience sizes is of little importance since they essentially performing for the gods. The shows are usually sponsored by the local community, are free for all to attend and usually last between two and three days.

A detail shot of a Chinese opera performer just before she goes on stage. Chinese opera is performed in Thailand by itinerant groups of players, most of whom are from the northeastern region of Thailand known as Isan. It is characterised by its lavish costumes, the falsetto delivery of its actors and the highly stylised presentation of its set-piece stories which are drawn from Chinese folklore. Though the operas are performed in Chinese most of the actors don't understand Chinese and simply learn their parts by rote. Chinese opera is colourful reminder of the importance of Thailand's ethnic Chinese population, and of how Chinese culture has become an integral part of Thailand's cultural identity. Though the Chinese opera is appreciated by an ageing, and dwindling, population of Chinese speakers, the performers explain that audience sizes is of little importance since they essentially performing for the gods. The shows are usually sponsored by the local community, are free for all to attend and usually last between two and three days.

A man puts on make up behind the scenes before a Chinese Opera performance. Chinese opera is performed in Thailand by itinerant groups of players, most of whom are from the northeastern region of Thailand known as Isan. It is characterised by its lavish costumes, the falsetto delivery of its actors and the highly stylised presentation of its set-piece stories which are drawn from Chinese folklore. Though the operas are performed in Chinese most of the actors don't understand Chinese and simply learn their parts by rote. Chinese opera is colourful reminder of the importance of Thailand's ethnic Chinese population, and of how Chinese culture has become an integral part of Thailand's cultural identity. Though the Chinese opera is appreciated by an ageing, and dwindling, population of Chinese speakers, the performers explain that audience sizes is of little importance since they essentially performing for the gods. The shows are usually sponsored by the local community, are free for all to attend and usually last between two and three days.

A view of a Chinese Opera stage set up in a small side street in Bangkok's Chinatown district. Chinese opera is performed in Thailand by itinerant groups of players, most of whom are from the northeastern region of Thailand known as Isan. It is characterised by its lavish costumes, the falsetto delivery of its actors and the highly stylised presentation of its set-piece stories which are drawn from Chinese folklore. Though the operas are performed in Chinese most of the actors don't understand Chinese and simply learn their parts by rote. Chinese opera is colourful reminder of the importance of Thailand's ethnic Chinese population, and of how Chinese culture has become an integral part of Thailand's cultural identity. Though the Chinese opera is appreciated by an ageing, and dwindling, population of Chinese speakers, the performers explain that audience sizes is of little importance since they essentially performing for the gods. The shows are usually sponsored by the local community, are free for all to attend and usually last between two and three days.

A detail shot of a Chinese opera performer just before she goes on stage. Chinese opera is performed in Thailand by itinerant groups of players, most of whom are from the northeastern region of Thailand known as Isan. It is characterised by its lavish costumes, the falsetto delivery of its actors and the highly stylised presentation of its set-piece stories which are drawn from Chinese folklore. Though the operas are performed in Chinese most of the actors don't understand Chinese and simply learn their parts by rote. Chinese opera is colourful reminder of the importance of Thailand's ethnic Chinese population, and of how Chinese culture has become an integral part of Thailand's cultural identity. Though the Chinese opera is appreciated by an ageing, and dwindling, population of Chinese speakers, the performers explain that audience sizes is of little importance since they essentially performing for the gods. The shows are usually sponsored by the local community, are free for all to attend and usually last between two and three days.

Two Chinese Opera performers play on a tablet computer between acts. Chinese opera is performed in Thailand by itinerant groups of players, most of whom are from the northeastern region of Thailand known as Isan. It is characterised by its lavish costumes, the falsetto delivery of its actors and the highly stylised presentation of its set-piece stories which are drawn from Chinese folklore. Though the operas are performed in Chinese most of the actors don't understand Chinese and simply learn their parts by rote. Chinese opera is colourful reminder of the importance of Thailand's ethnic Chinese population, and of how Chinese culture has become an integral part of Thailand's cultural identity. Though the Chinese opera is appreciated by an ageing, and dwindling, population of Chinese speakers, the performers explain that audience sizes is of little importance since they essentially performing for the gods. The shows are usually sponsored by the local community, are free for all to attend and usually last between two and three days.

A performer relaxes behind the scenes during a Chinese Opera performance in Bangkok. Chinese opera is performed in Thailand by itinerant groups of players, most of whom are from the northeastern region of Thailand known as Isan. It is characterised by its lavish costumes, the falsetto delivery of its actors and the highly stylised presentation of its set-piece stories which are drawn from Chinese folklore. Though the operas are performed in Chinese most of the actors don't understand Chinese and simply learn their parts by rote. Chinese opera is colourful reminder of the importance of Thailand's ethnic Chinese population, and of how Chinese culture has become an integral part of Thailand's cultural identity. Though the Chinese opera is appreciated by an ageing, and dwindling, population of Chinese speakers, the performers explain that audience sizes is of little importance since they essentially performing for the gods. The shows are usually sponsored by the local community, are free for all to attend and usually last between two and three days.

Chinese opera is performed in Thailand by itinerant groups of players, most of whom are from the northeastern region of Thailand known as Isan. It is characterised by its lavish costumes, the falsetto delivery of its actors and the highly stylised presentation of its set-piece stories which are drawn from Chinese folklore. Though the operas are performed in Chinese most of the actors don't understand Chinese and simply learn their parts by rote. Chinese opera is colourful reminder of the importance of Thailand's ethnic Chinese population, and of how Chinese culture has become an integral part of Thailand's cultural identity. Though the Chinese opera is appreciated by an ageing, and dwindling, population of Chinese speakers, the performers explain that audience sizes is of little importance since they essentially performing for the gods. The shows are usually sponsored by the local community, are free for all to attend and usually last between two and three days.

The heavily made up face of a character singing in a Chinese opera performance known as 'Ngiew' in Thailand.

Actors on stage during a performance of Chinese Opera in Bangkok, Thailand. The tradition of Chinese Opera performances is fading in Thailand as the descendants of Chinese immigrants, many of whom don't speak Chinese, lose interest in this art form. Audiences are growing smaller and older but the shows remain as colourful and dramatic as ever.