Tibet completes census on local operas

LHASA -- Southwest China's Tibet autonomous region has completed a census report on local operas, according to the regional ethnic art research institute.

The local operas of Tibet were divided into six categories -- Sharpamani opera, Pargon opera, Qamdo Tibetan opera, Moinba opera, blue mask Tibetan opera and white mask Tibetan opera.

The census started in 2016, covering content such as opera names, tunes, origins, popular areas, plays, music, performing arts and stage arts. The highlight of the census report was listing the Sharpamani opera and Pargon opera as independent genres.

Numu, director of the institute, said they would be of great value to the study of Tibetan opera history, culture and folk customs.

The Sharpamani opera is popular in Drenthang Township in Dinggye County, Tibet's Xigaze. It retains early characteristics of Tibetan opera in terms of music, costumes and performance procedures.

Dubbed "the ancestor of Tibetan drama," Pargon opera originated in the 12th century. It has complete drama structure and performance form, as well as unique singing, masks, costumes and dances.

Thanks to strengthened protection from the government, Tibetan opera has maintained a sound development momentum. For blue mask Tibetan opera alone, there are 138 folk performing teams across the region.