Old roots, new rhythms

Artistic evolution

Tenzin Yeshi also takes great pride in ethnic art, describing Tibetan aesthetics as both "profound and elegant".

"'Profound' comes from its roots in millennia of heritage, while 'elegant' reflects a refined sensitivity to the viewer and a deep respect for civilization," he explained. "This noble spirit can be seen in everything — from the color palettes of thangka paintings to the costumes, makeup, and props of Tibetan Opera, as well as the expressive body language in musical performances."

Rather than simply drawing from ethnic culture, Tenzin Yeshi actively contributes to it in his own way — most notably through his "New Concept Dra-Nyan 2.0"project.

The dra-nyan, an iconic plucked string instrument from Xizang, has certain limitations that he encountered firsthand."During a major performance with the China National Traditional Orchestra, I realized the dra-nyan couldn't reach some of the notes in the score. At that moment, I knew the instrument needed to be improved," he recalled.

Working closely with skilled craftsmen, he applied advanced lutherie techniques to preserve the dra-nyan's classic tone and appearance while expanding its musical range.

He later introduced the upgraded instrument through his band, Dora — named after the Tibetan word for "stage".

"All of our original pieces are rooted in traditional Tibetan music, incorporating elements like Guozhuang dance and Tibetan Opera," Tenzin Yeshi said.

His innovations grew out of a deep, lived understanding of Tibetan Opera. He is both a performer with a renowned Lhasa Tibetan Opera troupe and a doctoral candidate at the Chinese National Academy of Arts, where his thesis focuses on the physical language and body movements of Tibetan Opera.

"Nearly 90 percent of Tibetan Opera research centers on texts, with little attention paid to live performance. But if we want real insights, we must learn through performing," said Tenzin Yeshi.

In his shows, Tenzin Yeshi aims to make Tibetan Opera more contemporary and appealing to young people.

Observing similarities between ancient Greek drama and Tibetan Opera — such as the use of choruses and circular staging — he created an avant-garde adaptation of Oedipus Rex. In this piece, he localizes the story and characters while integrating modern stage design and lighting. He plans to present this experimental production at theater festivals and then in small independent venues.

To further engage younger audiences, he has also developed a children's play that explores themes of environmental protection and the metaverse, using this ancient art form to address contemporary issues.

Despite these achievements, Tenzin Yeshi still feels an urgent need to continue growing and evolving.

"For young inheritors of ethnic cultures, a deep love and an open mind are essential," he said. "Whether it's Tibetan Opera or any other art form, we must keep listening, observing, and learning."