New Tibetan opera blends tradition with a modern storyline

Tibetan opera director Sonam Chodron has kept expanding the repertoire of her troupe, from adapting the Italian opera Turandot to designing modern operas that chronicle the changes of time.

Her latest opera The Tibetan Incense opened this week in Lhasa, capital of Tibet Autonomous Region.

Originating in the 14th century, Tibetan opera is mainly derived from history, legend and Buddhist teachings. Artists like Sonam Chodron are dedicated to giving a modern touch to the traditional art form.

Sonam Chodron drew inspiration from the intensive anti-poverty campaign in the region and across the nation.

In the opera, two incensemakers are reluctant to share their family trade secrets in making Tibetan incense, despite a growing romance between their respective son and daughter. Both families suffer until a local official persuades them to share the technique among villagers amid a call for shared prosperity.

The fathers finally come around, and bless the marriage of their children.

“The most important principle is to respect tradition and carry it forward. Then on this basis, I aim for new storylines and a new creation,” she said.

The play lasts about two hours and was performed by the traditional Tibetan opera troupe in the region. The Statefunded troupe, established in the 1960s, has around 120 members.

“The music, chants, songs, movement and the way of presentation are as close to traditional opera as possible,” said Sonam Wangchug, who plays the son of one of the incensemakers.

“We act strictly according to the traditional Tibetan opera style so that the audiences can easily resonate with our performances,” he said.

“I enjoyed it very much. There is strong drama in it, with suspense and emotional clashes,” said Pendron, one of the audience members. “It is necessary to give new life to traditional Tibetan opera and bring it closer to the people.”

Tibetan opera was awarded national intangible cultural heritage status in 2006 and was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2009.

Since 2013, eight traditional Tibetan operas, including Padma Obar, Prince Norsang, Droma Sangmo and Nangsa Obar, have been frequently brought to the stage.