Tibetan opera attracts people at Shoton Festival

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A Tibetan opera celebration is on in Lhasa, capital of China's Tibet Autonomous Region. The event is an important part of the annual Shoton Festival, also known as the Yogurt Festival. Elite troupes are presenting classic operas to the public throughout Sunday

Mystery masks, rhythmic dance and lofty singing are some of the distinctive features of Tibetan opera. These were also on display in a repertoire at this year’s Shoton Festival.

An opera titled “Snang Sa Vod Vbum” that has a strong folk flavor drew attention from local Tibetan and travelers.

“Snang Sa Vod Vbum” tells a sad but inspiring story on how a Tibetan girl goes through hardship and becomes a great lady./CGTN Photo

Zhuoma, a young Tibetan performer played the character of heroine whose name is Snang Sa in the show. She said the opera is one of the most classic ones in Tibet, and it’s a sad story with a happy ending.

According to Zhuoma, the heroine Snang Sa goes through a series of misfortunes, but finally discovers great wisdom and leads her oppressors to do good deeds.

The story might sound simple but the troupe spent a lot of time rehearsing. Zhuoma said that her troupe has been preparing till the last second before they went on stage. She said that she keeps on practicing her singing, and considering how she would appear in front of the audience.

Performers in a Tibetan opera troupe are swiftly changing their costumes and ornaments. /CGTN Photo

Besides practicing, a good memory is a must because some operas are very long, like “the Nibelung's Ring.” Zhuoma said it took at least six years to learn the role.

Most Tibetan opera shows last seven or eight hours. Yet, the audiences do not get bored.

Comedy scenes are common during the lengthy shows, and most of them are improvised. 82-year-old Lhasa resident Bingbing just loves the art form.

Many scenes in the Tibetan opera are improvised to increase interaction with audiences, although the show is based on a fixed script. /CGTN Photo

He said that he had been watching the operas in Norbulingka since the beginning of the Shoton Festival on Monday. And he watched most of them, especially this story on Snang Sa.

Watching Tibetan opera is a favorite activity during the Shoton Festival in Norbulingka and Zongjiaolukang parks in Lhasa. /CGTN Photo

Zhaxi, leader of the Tibetan team, said, "They would show the essence of the Tibetan opera and make it thrive.”

The opera troupe number has gone up to 140 in Tibet, more than triple the number just 10 years ago. Many new faces have joined in the efforts to pass down the cultural legacy.