 Tibetan
theater, a story-telling art that combines literature with singing and dancing,
is traditionally said to have been created by the monk Tangdong Gyalpo.
Later, under the auspices of the 5th Dalai Lama a festival with theatrical
performances began to be held at Zhaibung Monastery every year. With the
passage of time singing came to dominate the performance while remaining
part of the overall integration of song, dance, music, acrobatics, and artistry.
The performers wear white masks over their heads and traditional clothing
in white. In their right hands they hold an arrow decorated with multi-colored
silk ribbons as a symbol of auspiciousness and purity. Traditionally, there
are eight major routines, Princess Wencheng, Prince
Norsang, Drowas Sangmo, Sukyi
Nyima, Nangsa Qinbum, Padma
Obar, Donyo and Dondrup and Drimed
Kundan, most of which are derived from historic events, lives of
the great, folk tales and stories from the sutras. |
