A Tibetan opera celebration is taking place in Lhasa, the 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 the most classic operas to the public through Sunday. CGTN's Zheng Yibing reports.

 

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

 

ZHUOMA TIBETAN OPERA PERFORMER "This opera is one of Tibet's most classic one, and I play the heroine named Snang Sa. It's a sad story with a happy ending." The heroine goes through a series of misfortunes, but finally discovers great wisdom and leads her oppressors to do good deeds. Even for this simple story, the troupe spends a lot of time rehearsing.

 

ZHUOMA TIBETAN OPERA PERFORMER"We have been preparing till the last second before we go on stage. Take me, for example, I keep on practicing, singing, and considering how I will appear in front of the audience." Besides practicing, a good memory is a must, for some operas are very long, like “The Nibelung's Ring.” This performer says it takes at least six years to learn the role. ZHENG YIBING LHASA "Most Tibetan opera shows may last well over seven or eight hours. Yet, the audiences do not get bored, as this traditional art form is of great interest to them." Funny scenes are common during the long show, and most are improvised. 82-year-old Lhasa resident Bingbing just loves the art form.

 

BINGBING LHASA RESIDENT "I have been watching the operas here since the beginning of the Shoton Festival on Monday. And I watched most of them, especially this story on Snang Sa." The performers appreciate the support from the audience.

 

ZHAXI TIBETAN OPERA PERFORMER "We will show the essence of Tibetan opera and make it thrive." There are more than 140 troupes in Tibet, more than triple the number just 10 years ago. Many new faces have joined and are ready to pass on the tradition. Zheng Yibing, CGTN, in Lhasa in China's Tibet Autonomous Region.