Chinese opera actresses

The actress on the left is blowing the 'dizi', or bamboo flute, while the actress on the right is playing the 'pipa', the pear-shaped stringed lute. These instruments, among other string, wind and percussion instruments, typically make up the wayang orchestra. The orchestra is an important part of the performance as it plays the music that is in perfect synchrony with every word, movement and gesture that is enacted..