Chinese Opera by Samsul

A Chinese Malaysian performs Chinese opera in Kuala Lumpur August 4, 2011. Chinese opera is often associated with heavily painted make-up with dramatic eyes that seem to give out a piercing, authoritative gaze, transforming the performers into characters that are bold and prominent that seem to loom larger than life. The performers, accompanied by the ‘clapper’ or drums and bamboo flute, have to be all-rounders: they sing, act, perform martial art and acrobatics and apply their own make-up. REUTERS/Samsul Said (MALAYSIA)

A Chinese Malaysian prepares to perform Chinese opera in Kuala Lumpur August 4, 2011. Chinese opera is often associated with heavily painted make-up with dramatic eyes that seem to give out a piercing, authoritative gaze, transforming the performers into characters that are bold and prominent that seem to loom larger than life. The performers, accompanied by the ‘clapper’ or drums and bamboo flute, have to be all-rounders: they sing, act, perform martial art and acrobatics and apply their own make-up. REUTERS/Samsul Said (MALAYSIA)

A Chinese Malaysian applies lipstick before performing Chinese opera in Kuala Lumpur August 4, 2011. Chinese opera is often associated with heavily painted make-up with dramatic eyes that seem to give out a piercing, authoritative gaze, transforming the performers into characters that are bold and prominent that seem to loom larger than life. The performers, accompanied by the ‘clapper’ or drums and bamboo flute, have to be all-rounders: they sing, act, perform martial art and acrobatics and apply their own make-up. REUTERS/Samsul Said (MALAYSIA)

A Chinese Malaysian performs Chinese opera in Kuala Lumpur August 4, 2011. Chinese opera is often associated with heavily painted make-up with dramatic eyes that seem to give out a piercing, authoritative gaze, transforming the performers into characters that are bold and prominent that seem to loom larger than life. The performers, accompanied by the ‘clapper’ or drums and bamboo flute, have to be all-rounders: they sing, act, perform martial art and acrobatics and apply their own make-up. REUTERS/Samsul Said (MALAYSIA)

Chinese Malaysians prepare to perform Chinese opera in Kuala Lumpur August 4, 2011. Chinese opera is often associated with heavily painted make-up with dramatic eyes that seem to give out a piercing, authoritative gaze, transforming the performers into characters that are bold and prominent that seem to loom larger than life. The performers, accompanied by the ‘clapper’ or drums and bamboo flute, have to be all-rounders: they sing, act, perform martial art and acrobatics and apply their own make-up. REUTERS/Samsul Said (MALAYSIA)

A Chinese Malaysian applies make-up before performing Chinese opera in Kuala Lumpur August 4, 2011. Chinese opera is often associated with heavily painted make-up with dramatic eyes that seem to give out a piercing, authoritative gaze, transforming the performers into characters that are bold and prominent that seem to loom larger than life. The performers, accompanied by the ‘clapper’ or drums and bamboo flute, have to be all-rounders: they sing, act, perform martial art and acrobatics and apply their own make-up. REUTERS/Samsul Said (MALAYSIA)

A Chinese Malaysian performs Chinese opera in Kuala Lumpur August 4, 2011. Chinese opera is often associated with heavily painted make-up with dramatic eyes that seem to give out a piercing, authoritative gaze, transforming the performers into characters that are bold and prominent that seem to loom larger than life. The performers, accompanied by the ‘clapper’ or drums and bamboo flute, have to be all-rounders: they sing, act, perform martial art and acrobatics and apply their own make-up. REUTERS/Samsul Said (MALAYSIA)

A Chinese Malaysian smokes before performing Chinese opera in Kuala Lumpur August 4, 2011. Chinese opera is often associated with heavily painted make-up with dramatic eyes that seem to give out a piercing, authoritative gaze, transforming the performers into characters that are bold and prominent that seem to loom larger than life. The performers, accompanied by the ‘clapper’ or drums and bamboo flute, have to be all-rounders: they sing, act, perform martial art and acrobatics and apply their own make-up. REUTERS/Samsul Said (MALAYSIA)

A Chinese Malaysian prepares to perform Chinese opera in Kuala Lumpur August 4, 2011. Chinese opera is often associated with heavily painted make-up with dramatic eyes that seem to give out a piercing, authoritative gaze, transforming the performers into characters that are bold and prominent that seem to loom larger than life. The performers, accompanied by the ‘clapper’ or drums and bamboo flute, have to be all-rounders: they sing, act, perform martial art and acrobatics and apply their own make-up. REUTERS/Samsul Said (MALAYSIA)

A Chinese Malaysian applies lipstick before performing Chinese opera in Kuala Lumpur August 4, 2011. Chinese opera is often associated with heavily painted make-up with dramatic eyes that seem to give out a piercing, authoritative gaze, transforming the performers into characters that are bold and prominent that seem to loom larger than life. The performers, accompanied by the ‘clapper’ or drums and bamboo flute, have to be all-rounders: they sing, act, perform martial art and acrobatics and apply their own make-up. REUTERS/Samsul Said (MALAYSIA)

A Malaysian of ethnic Chinese descent shows her heavily make-up lips before performing Chinese opera in Kuala Lumpur August 4, 2011. Chinese opera is often associated with heavily painted make-up with dramatic eyes that seem to give out a piercing, authoritative gaze, transforming the performers into characters that are bold and prominent that seem to loom larger than life. The performers, accompanied by the ‘clapper’ or drums and bamboo flute, have to be all-rounders: they sing, act, perform martial art and acrobatics and apply their own make-up. REUTERS/Samsul Said (MALAYSIA)

FotoWarung | Sam