"The sharp knife of a short life

I've had just enough time..."


- "If I Die Young" The Band Perry


I see Beauty in many things. And like the ghosts that only speak to you if you notice them, they tell me wondrous tales. With my camera and my thoughts, I captured these as faithfully as I can to share with you. And by doing so, they gave me the reasons. And though the thousand reasons may not all be sweet and some indeed bitter; they are still reasons to live. Come to think about it, that is Life, isn't it?

Saturday, 6 July 2013

The Crossroad: A Fight In The Dark – Part I


I've had just enough time to...   figure a way out of the crossroad

Taken of "The Crossroad" in Liyuan Theatre, Beijing


Continuing my series on the Beijing Opera, this is “The Crossroad” where two adversaries fought in complete darkness. Each assuming the other to be the enemy. Each putting his life on the line for an honourable task. But in the darkness, is anything what they are supposed to be? When you live your whole life responding to what you see, how will you respond to it when you cannot see? Do you trust unfamiliar senses when the one you trust can no longer be trusted?


Black Spy vs White Spy


At the crossroad
a fight in the dark.
How does one fight an enemy
he cannot see? 

Will you trust senses unfamiliar
Or not trust them to be?
Is it danger that you sense
Or is it the danger, your scent?
Will you swing your sword wildly 
Or wait for the spear thrust? 
Will you wait for danger to appear 
Or step forth in the dark? 

What will you do at the crossroads?
What will you do in the dark?
Are you afraid of the discovery?
Or are you afraid of the mark?
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5 comments:

  1. Thou San6 July 2013 at 20:01

    Continuing my series on the Beijing Opera, this is “The Crossroad” where two adversaries fought in complete darkness. Each assuming the other to be the enemy. Each putting his life on the line for an honourable task. But in the darkness, is anything what they are supposed to be? When you live your whole life responding to what you see, how will you respond to it when you cannot see? Do you trust unfamiliar senses when the one you trust can no longer be trusted?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thou San9 July 2013 at 06:21

      An evening tea with good friends watching Beijing Opera, I cannot think of a better way to spend an evening in China. We watched at the famous Liyuan Theatre that catered to both locals and foreigners. This show that we watched consisted of four acts that are some of the most interesting parts of four different plays. It was great that they have English subtitles for even locals have problems understanding the archaic language used in the plays. But the crossroads need not interpretation for it is a silent play and its language is universally understood actions.

      Delete
  2. Thou San7 July 2013 at 00:47


    Kathy_9
    I'm glad you had an enjoyable evening and thank you for sharing it with us. Your images are always so thought provoking.

    ShambLady
    interesting food for thought!
    and love this lightfall on the scene!
    Via ShambLady's contacts' uploads on Fluidr

    ineedathis
    Its nice to have some time for Opera and of course to understand the language:-)
    That sword looks like its going though his neck,
    Great shot!

    Geo_grafics
    I believe there is a 1000 reasons to enjoy this pic ;)

    saoret58
    magnífica, unas expresiones muy interesantes

    ShambLady
    costumes and customs are so nice, I dont understand all of this yet, will find out more about the chinese opera ....soon :)
    Via ShambLady's contacts' uploads on Fluidr

    ineedathis
    Exceptional closeup of these performers!
    Have a great weekend my friend!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Dzjiedzjee7 July 2013 at 02:15

    Wow! I love the expression on their faces! :-)

    Best regards from the Netherlands,
    Gert Jan

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thou San9 July 2013 at 05:26


    Geo_grafics
    I believe there is a 1000 reasons to enjoy this pic ;)

    henrhyde (gill) -- catching up again
    Great presentation of this image -- thought provoking

    Onasill
    Beautifully caught pose in the Opera. Kudos

    狂野的男人
    In the darkness , we don't see anything ,but our true heart .

    狂野的男人
    Nice photo my friend.

    oola *
    oh I envy you sooooooo much... how wonderful to have that experience...

    Onasill
    Good drama look Thou

    oola *
    what you asked about our own fight in the dark...
    bears more contemplation than what I can offer here..
    thank you for bringing it up...it is worth the examination...

    ReplyDelete

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