The Tibetan Community in Italy made their voices heard during the Tibet Culture Week organised by the Chinese Government in association with the Italy-China Foundation captained by Italian tycoon Cesare Romiti.
Tibetans and Italian activists from Italy-Tibet Association gathered at the flashy theatre venues in Milano and Bergamo on Friday and Sunday night resepctively, where high profile but grottesque performances of ‘Tibetan dances and chants’ were taking place. The protesters greeted the Chinese Ambassador and Consul with Free Tibet slogans and their multi-coloured flags. Each guest was handed leaflets explaining the farce of the show and a brief true history of Tibet. Some, appalled at the news that China organised the event, even boycotted the show and many left at the interval saying it was too obscene to watch, as it had no resemblance to the Tibetan art and culture they had seen on other occasions.
It was supposed to be a celebration for the 40th anniversary of TAR so Tibetans decided to wait outside until the end of the show to present a loud escort to the Chinese delegation, which included two monks. Under the curious and cautious eyes of the Italian audience, they surrounded the procession with large Tibetan flags, shouting slogans and holding a framed photo of His Holiness the Dalai Lama high up at the head of the line. Some twenty Chinese were in this way accompanied 200mt until the entrance to their banquet dinner where the rest of the guests were waiting.
One last performance is due to take place this next Saturday in Rome and given the impact of the first two, I doubt the Chinese are looking forward to it. More turmoil will be on show.
