Backstage @ Chinese Opera In Kuan Yin Temple, Klang

Ever since I was a toddler, I dream that someday I will be able to step into the backstage of a Chinese Opera.

Guess what?

My dream was fulfilled on the eve night of Kuan Yin’s birthday. I still can’t believe I ACTUALLY climbed the narrow rusty ladder into a world filled with culture richness & ‘exotic-ness’. Today when I ask myself did I really visit the Chinese Opera backstage? it is still hard to believe. Have to punch pinch myself many times. Haha

This is my 5 minutes dream journey… enjoy

I was happily clicking away with my camera at the Chinese Opera performance in Kuan Yin Temple, Klang when I saw an opening at the side of the stage. I decided to go near it and was contented that I’m able to shoot some backstage happenings from where I stood. Like this…

A beautiful opera lady busy making up. She didn’t even look at me.


A close-up shot. Lovely ya.

Then I tried to get some other shots at the backstage from another angle. My mom who is with me told me that a man ‘scary’ guy is gesturing me to go up. I put my camera down and look at him. “Where got?” (he’s just standing there) Then I start clicking away again. “There, there he’s asking you to come up.” This time I saw the man signaling me to go up, clearing the way for me too.

This is the man (in red+yellow) that invited me to their vivid & beautiful world. Thank You So Much!

He looked scary right? I tried to avoid eye contact with him at all course. This photo also I selamba took one. Haha

I have a few seconds decision. To go up or not go up. Of course I said yes. I nearly said no. Wuahahaha

So colorful & vivid.

If you look carefully, you can see a man taking picture as well. I’ve no idea who he is. We just mind our own business. Haha

Busy helping colleague. Amazing makeup.

Pretty ladies.

Yes still have time to relax.

Everyone is minding their own business. Except…

… except this 2 guys who happily pose for me. Picture is blur. Arggh!

Afraid me standing there will disturb her. So I took a quick shot. Came out blur.

I thought their make up kit is kick a$$.

See there’s fan, bulb & even an electric socket and switch!

Very ancient looking ya. I like!

Center of attention!

Can’t stop taking her picture. Haha

My mom who went up with me thinks this light blue guy is scary.

I think he’s cute & chubby wor. Haha Mom didn’t walk around. She stood near the ladder. I guess preparing to run? The chubby guy is standing about 1 meter plus from her.

Notice the black costume guy? Well he’s the one I talked to asking where they’re from. (Thinking… hey I can be a photojournalist kekeke)

In Hokkien, “Le lang na toh lo lai eh?” (where did you guys come from?)

And he answered me “Tai kuo” (amazed that he can hear me and I can hear him because the place was so noisy)

Since my Mandarin is so ‘outta pulu’ plus I was too bewildered to be there, I can’t depict what tai kuo means. So I went and ask my mom. Ohh Thailand.

Then mom asked me “Okay liao?” and she whispered to me she’s afraid of that light blue guy (that’s how I know). So I said “Ok lo”.

And then we climbed down and everything looks normal again.

So that’s my 5 mins Chinese opera’s backstage journey. Very short but still it was an experience I will not forget. There isn’t any scary moment but bewilderment & amazement. It’s indeed a different world in the backstage of a Chinese Opera.

Will I do it again if I have the chance? You bet. My interview hasn’t finish oi!!! ~ from the so-called ‘angan-angan’ photojournalist.

Btw here’s a view on the music instruments used in this Chinese Opera. There’s actually another musician at the other side (right) of the stage. But I didn’t know that until after I came down.

From backstage, the view is limited. Aiyar. Can you guess what the lady on the right is doing? Is it a music instrument?

I didn’t take a look in that baby cot but I guess a child? Hahahaha