Documenting a Chinese Opera Part II - 戏剧人生

The stage was constructed using the traditional wooden plank and everything on the stage remains as it was in the early 80's. I vaguely remembered seeing some of these stuff at my granny place when i was young.
The laminated wooden cabinet, the mirror, and the stool...Everything on the stage seems to carry a story...

It was actually raining heavily that day and the mood was just right for everything.


As the time draws nearer, they started putting on their make-up. This lady was the first to start. She said she needed a longer time and you could feel her respect for her role with every stroke she took.


This uncle was probably the eldest among the rest in the troupe, given his age, there wasnt any sign of grouchiness. Instead, he was very hospitable and even offered me porridge.
He was moving slowly, sitting at a corner by himself and doing his own make up.
As i moved toward him and took some pictures of him, he kept chanting that his make-up wasnt as nice as the others...

When he was done with his make up, he told me to go to the front of the stage to take some pictures...
The short 2 hour session at the backstage was indeed a true experience of commitment and passion for their roles...
Sadly this is a diminishing trade that would be gone in a few years time..

Mamiya C220, 80mm f2.8
Trix 400, R09