TEOCHEW OPERA: THE FORMATION AND REVIVING CHINESE IDENTITY UNDER THE NETWORK OF THAILAND CHINESE COMMUNITY IN THE ASPECT OF ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL RELATIONS
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Abstract
The Teochew opera in Thailand prospered in the reign of King Chulalongkorn. There were many theaters set up by Chinese and Thai people. Additionally, the opera schools were opened as cultural exchange between Thailand and China. There were many theaters, especially in Chinatown and on Charoen Krung Road. Teochew (Chaozhou) is the majority population of Chinese residents in Thailand. Bangkok, for a period of time, used to be the center of the development of Teochew opera. In the communist era under the command of major general Phiboonsongkram, he wanted to control Chinese people in Thailand by announcing the replacement of the clan name with the surname for national security. Major general Phiboonsongkram applies Thai-Nationalism also closed down more than 300 Chinese schools. It is considered to be the suppression of Chineseness as prominent in Thai society.
After the end of World War II, the communist Chinese Red Army was at war with the Chinese government. The democratic president Chiang Kai-shek forced immigrants of Teochew Chinese opera performers including opera owners into Thailand in 1952-1962. During this time, the opera had 80 troupes reflecting the prosperity of The Teochew opera. Until 1966, opera theaters in Chinatown were dissolved. Presently, there are 12 troupes of Teochew opera in Thailand performing in the Chinese shrines.
This study aims to revive the precious value of Chinese opera. Under such circumstances, the opera has to be modified to the dynamic of the society. The Teochew Opera is tied to belief, faith, religion, and shrines. Therefore, Teochew opera is considered the high-class art. According to the study, the major social networks for maintaining Chinese identity are the Association, the Shrines Network And the patronage of the wealthy Chines, has contributed to the identification of Chinese identity in the context of the crackdown that occurred during the Thai government’s nationalism policy. It also allows the Chinese identity to continue to exist. Especially in the performing of Chinese identity through the opera require cooperation and support of the Chinese community to organize the opera. The cooperation and support from business sections and public devotion to the sacred shrines. Thus, the cooperation and support of the Chinese community and the local businesses are very important to the performing of the opera. The purpose of Teochew opera are not only to entertain but also to demonstrate the linkage to the faith, roots of the Chinese people, and a network of community relationships (Guanxi) in the context of the economic, social and cultural relations. Teochew opera is part of the fundamental identity of the Chinese people and is bound by the network of relationships of Chinese communities.
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