A Tsing Yi Story: Bamboo Theatre, Backstage
There are no air conditioners here; in fact, there are no air conditioners in any bamboo theatres.
Often performing in the warmth of May, in correspondence with the celebrations of Tin Hau and Chun Kwan, you will sometimes see actors turn their backs to the audience to wipe the sweat off their brows with a concealed tissue to prevent their sweat from entering their eyes and blinding them.
However, it's surprisingly cool backstage. Electric fans are placed in as many places as possible, creating a constant airflow. In their tunic undergarments made of a light fabric, the actors tell us it is actually not that hot. Each character actor is given their own makeshift dressing room, divided by large pieces of cloth often made from spare bedsheets. Their space is warmly lit by incandescent lights and adorned by personal memorabilia.
Supporting actors don't get their own rooms but share a space big enough for each actor to stack their lock boxes to create a standing desk to do their makeup.
Their costumes are hung up high onto the bamboo structure with a fan directly blowing at them, no doubt to keep them dry after each sweaty performance. Each actor brings their own helpers. Following a set list, they take down their costumes, iron them out, and get their actors ready for their next scene.
It's surprisingly calm backstage.
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