Chinese Opera

A portrait series of Chinese opera performers, captured backstage between 2016 and 2024 during performances in Chinatown, Bangkok. Walking into the backstage area for the first time felt like stepping into another dimension—an undeniably otherworldly experience. It was as though I had entered an unreal and sensuous realm within Bangkok, a space that was intricate, multi-layered, and utterly captivating. In recent years, Chinese opera has become a fading art form, as younger generations of Thais seem to be losing interest in this age-old tradition. Despite this, these performers keep the old tradition alive by performing mythical stories in Mandarin Chinese during celebrations at Chinese temples. This photo series is a tribute to these remarkable artists, who work tirelessly to keep a rich cultural heritage alive.