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Tibetan-Peking opera to present Princess Wencheng during Olympics

Xinhua

Tibetan Opera actors wearing traditional masks dance during a dress rehearsal with the Tibet Autonomous Region’s Tibet Opera Troupe in Lhasa 8 April 2008. Tibetan Opera has a history of more than 600 years and is in China’s first list of intangible cultural heritage under national protection. File photo/Xinhua

“Princess Wencheng” would be jointly staged by the National Peking Opera Theatre and the Tibetan Opera Troupe from 21 to 23 August as one of the key cultural performances during the Beijing Olympic Games, said Liu Can, spokeswoman with the Meilanfang Grand Theatre.

The hybrid drama combined the two opera styles’ most notable aspects in music, song, costume and other aspects.

“Instruments like drums and cymbals of Tibetan opera will be merged into the orchestra of Peking opera. There will also be duet and harmonic vocals featuring both singing styles,” said Liu.

“We will carry on the luxurious visual styles of both operas. Dragon robes and brocades from Peking opera will be presented along with the loose-bodied, luminous Tibetan clothes.”

Princess Wencheng, daughter of Emperor Li Shimin of the prosperous Tang Dynasty (618-907 A.D.), was married to Tibetan King Songtsen Gambo when she was 16. The princess, along with a dowry numerous treasures, books, golden furniture and medical equipment, travelled 3,000 kilometres to her new home.

She lived in Tibet for about 40 years and was said to be widely respected for her love of the people. Her statue is still enshrined and worshipped in Lhasa, capital of Tibet Autonomous Region.

Following the royal marriage and various meetings, the Tibetans and Hans had formed close economic and cultural relations, laying the groundwork for the ultimate unified nation.

The Tibetan roles, including Songtsen Gambo, will be played by professional Tibetan opera actors in its native language, with the Han ethnic roles by Peking opera peers in Mandarin.

Disclaimer: N.B. Xinhua is the official news agency of the Chinese government (PRC). Tibet Sun has republished this piece to bring awareness among the people.

Copyright © 2008 Xinhua

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