Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts - TIPA (བོད་ཀྱི་ཟློས་གར་ཚོགས་པ།) — Attraction in Himachal Pradesh

Had a glimpse of Tibetian Opera Tibetan Opera, the most popular traditional opera of minority ethnic groups in China, is of numerous art varieties and schools due to the different natural conditions, life styles, cultural traditions and dialects in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The Tibetan play in Tibet is the precursor of Tibetan opera. Spread to Tibetan areas in Qinghai, Gansu, Sichuan and Yunnan by monks and pilgrims that pursue further training in temples in Tibet, Tibetan play developed into many branches including Huangnan Tibetan opera of Qinghai, Gannan Tibetan opera of Gansu, and Seda Tibetan opera of Sichuan. Tibetan play is also popular in Tibetan-inhabited areas in India, Bhutan and Sikkim, etc.

Tibetan Opera is called Ace Lhamo in Tibetan, referring to "fairy.” It was said the opera is performed by seven sisters and the contents are mostly the fairy tales in Buddhist scriptures that originated from the Tibetan religious art in the 8th century, hence the name. By the 17th century, it separated from the religious rites in temples and formed into a folk performance combining dances, chants, songs, and masks. The aria music in Tibetan Opera is loud and sonorous, which are selected according to singers accompanied by others. Originally performed in public areas, there aren’t too many instruments except a drum and a pair of cymbals. Three parts compose the performance, the first is "Doin", referring to the beginning singing and dancing to sacrifice to the gods; the second is called "Xong" which is a main body of opera and the last part was the epilogue, or Zhaxi, which in Tibetan is translated as blessing. The remaining repertoire of the traditional programs centers on historical tales and legends, represented by Princess Wencheng; romantic fables, represented by Dhama King Norsang; and social life, represented by Miss Langsha. Only one type of costume is in the whole performance and the performers do not wear make up but a mask instead. There are two main types of masks, the white and blue mask. The blue mask has formed into four genres due to the region disparities during its long time development, particularly, Gyumolong ensemble, jongba ensemble, Xiangba ensemble and jiang gaer ensemble. The popular Shoton Festival is the time when most Tibetan Opera troupes put on performance, thus the Shoton Festival is also known as "Festivals of Tibetan Opera."

After the liberation of Tibet, the government of the autonomous region established the Tibet Drama Theatre based on the Gyumolong ensemble to shoulder the inheritance and development of Tibetan Opera. The staff later successively worked performed traditional dramas such as Princess Wencheng, Dhama King Norsang, and created some dramas of contemporary themes. Moreover, they also improve the stage design, making the opera perform on the stage with lighting, setting and accompany by orchestral music. In the 1980s, the Tibetan Opera Center of Qinghai Province is established in Huangnan where many famous works exerted influence both domestically and internationally. The newly added repertoires refresh the Huangnan Tibetan opera, for instance, in the drama of Yile Fairy, both traditional Tibetan instruments and modern band are added to accompany the singing which changes the former performance that only beat for the dance movements rather than singing. The improved stage art and setting in Huangnan Tibetan opera a offer people a new and...

Tibetan institute of performing arts or in short it is called TIPA . Tipa is situated on the foothills of Himachal side of the Himalayas ina beautiful city called Dharamshala where His Holy Highness Dali Lama Resides . Tipa was established to preserve Tibetan artistic heritage, especially opera, dance, and music by Dalai Lama ji in McLeodGang . Lot of Tibetan students study all the above mention arts and go all over the world to teach them in Tibetan schools ,collages etc . Tipa has a beautiful auditorium which is one of the best in Dharamshala with all facilities provided like lights ,sound ,parking space (which is very important in the mountains )good environment to organise events . Lots of Tibetan cultural events takes place here and it is a beautiful way to know about Tibetan culture and people. Non Tibetan cultural programs are also held here . People can hire the auditorium and hold their events here . I always enjoy going to Tipa to watch shows here . If you are around Dharamshala do check out this place and explore the events...

The Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA) in Dharamsala is a cultural institution dedicated to preserving and promoting Tibetan performing arts. Established in 1959 by the Dalai Lama, TIPA plays a crucial role in maintaining Tibetan traditions, including opera, dance, and music, which might otherwise be at risk of fading away due to the Tibetan diaspora.

Located in Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh, India, TIPA offers training and performances in traditional Tibetan opera (Lhamo), classical and folk music, and dance. The institute also conducts research and documentation projects to preserve these art forms for future generations. TIPA frequently hosts performances, workshops, and festivals to share Tibetan culture with the broader community and to keep the rich...