"30 JUNE 2016 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  Fireworks are set off, signifying the start of a Chinese opera performance at Chiao Eng Piao Shrine in Bangkok. Chinese opera was once very popular in Thailand, where it is called ""Ngiew."" It is usually performed in the Teochew language. Millions of Chinese emigrated to Thailand (then Siam) in the 18th and 19th centuries and brought their culture with them. Recently the popularity of ngiew has faded as people turn to performances of opera on DVD or movies. There are about 30 Chinese opera troupes left in Bangkok and its environs. They are especially busy during Chinese New Year and Chinese holidays when they travel from Chinese temple to Chinese temple performing on stages they put up in streets near the temple, sometimes sleeping on hammocks they sling under their stage.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ"
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