Tibetan Opera

Tibetan Opera- tibettravel.org

Tibetan opera is known as Lhamo or Ache Lhamo in Tibetan. During your Tibet travel, you will often find the Tibetan opera performance in villages and if you visit Lhasa during the Lhasa Yogurt festival. The cultural wisdom of Tibetan for thousands of year and clearly reflected in the Tibetan opera.

Background (itibettravel.com)

Many Tibetologist consider Tibetan opera as the living fossil of Tibetan culture. Legend has it that in 14th mystic Thangtong Gyalpo found the culture of Tibetan opera to raise the fund for building Iron Bridge throughout the Tibetan Plateau. He received the help from 12 sisters to perform in the Opera. Which are the first Ache Lhamo (Meaning sister goddess).

In the early 19th century, every county in Tibet has they own amateur troupe performing locally during the different occasions. Most famous troupes are Tashi Sholpa of Shol village below Potala palace,  Chongye Phundun of Chongye in Shanan Prefecture, Shangpa of Jang Village, Gyalkhara, Chungpa of Quxul village, and Kyormulung of Tulung county are the most popular. These troupe would regulation take part in the official festival in Norbulingka, Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery

Notable troupes including Tashi Sholpa, Chongye Phundun, Shangpa, Gyalkhara, Chungpa, and Kyormulung are much sought after and are always a regular part of the official festivals at Norbulingka, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery. The Tashi Sholpa is the oldest and most of popular of all the Tibetan Opera Troupe in Tibet. This troupe has they own dance for Good luck which is commonly performed during inaugurate special occasions such as big official gatherings and construction or opening or construction of a monastery. The performer would wear whiteboard mask to represent Thantong Gyalpo, the founder of Tibetan Opera. Since he lives for 140 years, his representation symbolizes the longevity and good health.

Traditionally, there are nine different Tibetan opera performance. These stories are each exclusively played by the particular troupe. Sukyi Nima, Drowa Sangmo and Pema Woebar exclusively perform by the Kyormulung troupe. Prince Norsang is solely performed by Gyalkhara as their main performance because of their monastic background. The troupe from the Muru Monastery perform only Deep Tenpa. The Chungpa Troupe perform Drimed Kunden.

People from all walks of life in Tibetan are familiar with arias. They would often sing it during all the social gathering, religious festivals and even while walking lonely in remote places.

Wanna know more about the story of Tibetan opera and Thangtong Gyalpo, please visit Tibetan Opera