Head of Cijiaolin, one of the local Tibetan Opera troupes, is directing a rehearsal. [Photo: CRIENGLISH.com]

Named the living fossil of the Tibetan civilization, Tibetan Opera dates back to more than 600 years ago. Its history is 400 years longer than that of the Beijing Opera, the quintessence of traditional Chinese culture.

Sang Dong, who is very knowledgeable about the Tibetan ethnic culture and civilization, is learning the Tibetan Opera from a local troupe in the Tibet Autonomous Region. He plans to further his research on the culture and history of the Tibetan Opera based on ethnology and anthropology.

Sang Dong's teacher, Pu Qiong, has performed the Tibetan Opera for more than 35 years. He teaches training courses sponsored by the local government, offering young people an opportunity to learn the Tibetan Opera for free.

Besides the folk enthusiasts and performers in Tibet, many professional troupes support the inheritance and development of the Tibetan Opera as well. Cijiaolin, one of local troupes, was established in 1962 by volunteers. Actors volunteer to perform in other cities and counties in the Tibet Autonomous Region every year during holidays and festivals.

There is a beautiful tale about the Tibetan Opera. The story goes that in the 14th century, Tibetans were mesmerized by seven gorgeous sisters talented in singing and dancing. They performed the Tibetan Opera to promote Buddhism. Their performances earned them great fame, and they became acclaimed as fairies, or "Ajilamu" in Tibetan.

Cherished by locals, the Tibetan Opera will surely continue to shine for years to come.

 

Actors from Cijiaolin, a Tibetan Opera troupe, are waiting to participate in a rehearsal. [Photo: CRIENGLISH.com]

The close-up photo shows a piece of women's headdress. [Photo: CRIENGLISH.com]

A training course in the Tibetan Opera is held in the Mass Art Gallery in the Tibet Autonomous Region. [Photo: CRIENGLISH.com]

Students are practicing the Tibetan Opera in the Mass Art Gallery. [Photo: CRIENGLISH.com]

Pu Qiong, who has sung the Tibetan Opera for more than 35 years, directs his students in class. [Photo: CRIENGLISH.com]

Actors are rehearsing the opera "Blue Mask". [Photo: CRIENGLISH.com]

Actors are performing the Tibetan Opera. [Photo: CRIENGLISH.com]