K and I attended a traditional Chinese opera performance at Thian Hock Keng Chinese temple. It's during the yearly 觀音誕 they have this special performance inside the historic landmark, a beautiful backdrop for the performance. I told K what is 戲曲 (traditional Chinese opera) and was glad that he's interested to go. The performance last night, incorporating 南曲, has been around since the Tang Dynasty, from 2,000 years ago.
The average age of the audiences was about 65. Didn't see any other kid, aside from a few babies. The accompanying orchestra, however, was comprised of young people from the local .Kaiser seemed engrossed during the opera part and not so much during the pure music part. He commented on makeups, costumes, wigs, gestures and footwork, etc. I explained to him who's the 小生 (main male character), 花旦 (main female character), 丑角 (clown), and "translated" the Chinese subtitles for him.
I'd like to think I'm planting seeds. One day one of those might grow to be a plant. And I'm glad to be where I could expose the rich Chinese culture to my children.