LINE

Text:AAAPrint
Culture

Tibetan opera draws old and young

1
2015-08-17 16:27Xinhua Editor: Gu Liping

Holding a string of Buddhist prayer beads, 80-year-old Lhasa resident Doje sits in a park crooning in a crowd gathered for a performance of famous Tibetan opera Padma Obar.

As the opera starts, the crowd falls silent in anticipation. For Doje, these moments are the heart and soul of the Shoton Festival, a week-long carnival known as the Yogurt Banquet Festival, currently underway in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region.

"The opera is the essence of Shoton. Without the opera, there is no festive atmosphere," said Doje.

Padma Obar is a traditional opera featuring a journey of a young man named Padma Obar, a half-man half-god figure with super powers that enable him to slay dragons.

"This year the actors are better. They sang well and their costumes are new," said Doje.

This year's Shoton began on Aug. 14 and lasts until Aug. 20. Watching Tibetan opera, visiting Buddhist exhibitions and viewing Thangkas, painted scrolls, are traditional celebrations during Shoton.

This summer, more than 200 opera singers and actors will stage performances for free at parks in Lhasa, the regional capital.

Young spectators exchange comments on performances while sharing photos of the performers through messaging app WeChat.

The Shoton Festival was originally a religious occasion during which locals offered yogurt to monks who had finished meditation retreats.

"It is an annual carnival on par with the New Year. It is also a good opportunity for young people to enjoy traditional Tibetan culture," said Losang, an employee with the Lhasa culture management bureau.

Dating back to the 14th century, the Tibetan opera epitomizes the essence of Tibetan culture, combining dances, chants and songs. Performers usually wear painted masks to identify a character.

Across Tibet, there are about one hundred Tibetan folk opera companies. It was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2006.

  

Related news

MorePhoto

Most popular in 24h

MoreTop news

MoreVideo

News
Politics
Business
Society
Culture
Military
Sci-tech
Entertainment
Sports
Odd
Features
Biz
Economy
Travel
Travel News
Travel Types
Events
Food
Hotel
Bar & Club
Architecture
Gallery
Photo
CNS Photo
Video
Video
Learning Chinese
Learn About China
Social Chinese
Business Chinese
Buzz Words
Bilingual
Resources
ECNS Wire
Special Coverage
Infographics
Voices
LINE
Back to top Links | About Us | Jobs | Contact Us | Privacy Policy
Copyright ©1999-2018 Chinanews.com. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.