Singapore to London

MALAYSIA | Monday, 24 November 2014 | Views [294] | View Smaller Image

A costumed clan performer briefly breaks the illusion of her confronting attire by flashing a cheeky smile across the smoke drafts, before resuming her role in the procession. It’s a rough recital, peppered with awkward pauses and self-conscious glances. But the show isn’t for the living. They perform before the altar of the god of prosperity in the hopes of bringing forth an auspicious year ahead.

Beneath the omnipotent gaze of a statue devoted to the clan god, costumed performers wearing imposing Chinese opera face paint and stunning sequined outfits begin a choreographed procession in the temple’s entryway. As the band strikes up a cacophonous clanging of drums, flutes and cymbals, the actors begin wildly circling the offering table. With their costumes fluttering from harnesses in a blaze of primary colour, the troupe’s otherworldly performance is reminiscent of a whirling flock of mystical birds.

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Birthday celebrations continue throughout the day with a feverish schedule of music, concerts and offerings. A Yap clan performer assumes a more casual pose away from the heat and commotion at the temple. Just moments earlier, he had formed a picture of ancient wisdom in fake waist-length beard and elaborate headdress. The actors are not professionals, but merely familial revellers, friends-of-friends and neighbours enjoying their moment in the spotlight.

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Singapore to London

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