Cantonese opera, Hong Kong - in pictures

A temporary 800-seat theatre made of bamboo has been built in Hong Kong for performances of Cantonese opera, as part of a three-week programme to celebrate the lunar new year. The traditional Chinese artform involves music, singing, martial arts, acrobatics and acting
Cantonese opera: A man stands outside the Bamboo Theatre
A man stands outside the Bamboo theatre in Hong Kong, a temporary 800-seat theatre built for performances of Cantonese opera Photograph: PHILIPPE LOPEZ/AFP/Getty Images
Cantonese opera: An actress backstage
An actor awaits her call backstage Photograph: Philippe Lopez/AFP/Getty Images
Cantonese opera: An actress is reflected in a mirror backstage
An actor is reflected in a backstage mirror Photograph: Philippe Lopez/AFP/Getty Images
Cantonese opera: An actress rehearses in front of her mirror
An actor in full costume and makeup rehearses in front of a mirror Photograph: PHILIPPE LOPEZ/AFP/Getty Images
Cantonese opera: An actor yawns backstage
An actor is made up backstage Photograph: PHILIPPE LOPEZ/AFP/Getty Images
Cantonese opera: An actress rehearses backstage in the temporary theatre
An actor rehearses backstage Photograph: Philippe Lopez/AFP/Getty Images
Cantonese opera: An actress adjusts her hat
An actor adjusts her costume before going on stage Photograph: Philippe Lopez/AFP/Getty Images
Cantonese opera: Spectators wait for the start of the show
The audience waits for the start of the show Photograph: Philippe Lopez/AFP/Getty Images
Cantonese opera: An actor applies makeup backstage in the Bamboo Theatre
An actor applies make-up backstage Photograph: Philippe Lopez/AFP/Getty Images
Cantonese opera: Actors on stage
Actors perform onstage Photograph: Philippe Lopez/AFP/Getty Images
Cantonese opera: An actor on stage
An actor on stage Photograph: Philippe Lopez/AFP/Getty Images
Cantonese opera: Actors on stage
Actors dance on stage Photograph: Philippe Lopez/AFP/Getty Images
Cantonese opera: An actor performs on stage
An actor performs on stage Photograph: Philippe Lopez/AFP/Getty Images
Cantonese opera: Architect William Li designed the bamboo structure
Architect William Li designed the bamboo structure Photograph: Philippe Lopez/AFP/Getty Images

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