Lhamo, traditional Tibetan opera

July,28 2016 BY Master Catherine Jigme 0 COMMENTS

Content

Lhamo is traditional Tibetan opera. The ten stories in the lhamo repertoire are drawn from Buddhist stories and Tibetan history. Lhamo, or Ache Lhamo literally means "sister goddess".

Tibetan opera

It is believed that lhamo was created in the 14th century by the great sage, Thangtong Gyalpo. Following his death, traveling groups composed of men and women spread the art throughout the country. By the 19th century every district in Tibet had a resident troupe which performed locally and, once a year, in the capital, Lhasa. Traditionally, the actors were both monks and lay people, and the performance would last a day or more.

Today in Tibet, lhamo lasts less than a day, and all performers are lay people. The lhamo stage is bare except for a statue of the patron saint of the opera, Thangtong Gyalpo. Every performance begins with the purification of the stage. The narrator, shung shangen, enters and sings a summary of the story in verse. Then the performers enter, each dancing his or her own distinct step to the music of a drum and cymbals. Their colorful silk costumes reflect the clothes of the aristocracy of Lhasa. All the actors sing the choruses. There are also spoken improvisations that may make fun of contemporary institutions, individuals, and even monks and nuns.

About the Author - Master Catherine Jigme

With exceptional passion and outstanding leadership, Mrs. Catherine has dedicated herself to Tibet inbound tourism and China tour for 15 years. As one of the handful females who see great potential of Chinese inbound tourism, Catherine has made great contribution to promoting Tibet tourism and enhancing the employment of Tibetans and prosperity of local Tibetan community.

Over the years, she travelled overseas with Tibet Tourism Bureau many times to promote Tibet tourism. Currently, Catherine works as the marketing director of Tibet Vista, an opinion leader behind the whole team of Tibet Vista.

Email me about your travel idea