Tibetan Opera
Tibetan Opera is hailed as "the living fossil of Tibetan culture." Various exaggerated masks are the highlight of Tibetan Opera and identify the roles the actors play. For example, a red mask represents the king; a green, the queen; a yellow, Lamas and deities.
Tibetan Opera boasts a history of more than 600 years, about 400 years longer than Peking Opera. Based on Buddhist stories and Tibetan history, the performance of Tibetan Opera follows fixed procedures, including religious rituals, singing, dancing, story telling and blessing ceremonies.
The musical rhythm is created by the beats of drums and cymbals that punctuate every movement, and by the singing performers. The rapidly chanted narration alternates with the sung dialogues repeated in the chorus. The dance movements are exaggerated and vigorous.
The performance ends with a blessing ritual that is also an occasion for the audience to present hada (a long piece of silk used as a greeting gift among Tibetans and Mongolians) and donations.
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