Tibetan Opera takes center stage in Gannan

LANZHOU — Upon seeing the square in Ji'ang village packed with people, Tsering Dorje and his teammates hurried to put on their makeup and costumes. A few minutes later, the Tibetan Opera erupted in a cheerful clashing of gongs and drums.

Ji'ang is located in Gannan Tibetan autonomous prefecture in Gansu province. During this year's Spring Festival, a folk troupe put on performances of classic Tibetan Opera, bringing happiness to the villagers.

Tibetan Opera is a combination of dialogue, songs, acting, dancing and literature and dates back at least 600 years. It is viewed as a "living fossil" of Tibetan culture and was included in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009.

"We practiced for several days to perform better," said 32-year-old Tsering Dorje, head of the Tibetan opera troupe in Ji'ang.

The troupe was founded nearly 46 years ago and currently has 40 members. Although it is composed of amateurs, it has earned a reputation among local people and is often invited to perform on festive occasions.

Tsering Dorje said that the learning curve was steep.

"Most of us had to work all year round and didn't have much time to practice or perform. Young people knew little about opera, let alone have much desire to learn it," he said.

The local government stepped up support for Tibetan opera by allocating funds and organizing shows. As a result, the number of groups in Gannan has increased to nearly 30.

"We receive 5,000 yuan ($740) per show in government subsidies. The money is used to buy instruments and costumes," Tsering Dorje said.

In addition to the folk performers, a professional troupe has also been set up to develop Tibetan Opera and give the traditional art a modern twist.

Gyalma Dorje, director of Gannan's Art Institute of Tibetan Opera, has created a new play based on a legendary figure regarded as the founder of Tibetan Opera.

The Tibetan Opera Troupe of Gannan first staged the play in 2015 and then held performances across China. "The modernized opera opens a window for more people to learn about Tibetan art and culture," said.

The local government has increased efforts to protect Tibetan Opera and ensure the art is passed on, making performances part of its cultural and tourism sector.

Xinhua