by Chime Tenzing
Dharamsala 26th February: The Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA) is visiting Thailand for the first time to perform a series of spectacular traditional Tibetan musical at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre from March 5-10.Apart from the main performances that will begin by 7 p.m in the evenings, they will also perform afternoons on weekends.
Thais would get their first opportunity to witness Tibetan artistic heritage, from folk dance and classical music to chanting, spiritual dances and sacred rituals through a dozen performances, according to organisers.
The performances include Shanak, Lhokhai Shay Chen Lingkar, Kongpoi Dha Lu, Domey Tserik, Dranyen Shabdro, Lhokhag Trangoe Dro Dhung, Bod Shar Chok Kyi Ralpa, Ganghoe Tho La Sukpe Lo and Yaktse.
The programme is part of the “From the Himalayas to the Chao Phraya River” festival, organized by the Sathirakoses-Nagapradipa Foundation, with the aim to promote Tibetan spirituality, arts and culture to the wider public in Thailand.
The festival will also presents an academic session featuring a keynote speech and discussion on many topics with keynote speakers, including His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s younger sister, Jetsun Pema la; Geshe Damdul Namgyal la, translator for His Holiness; Niti Aeawsriwong and Taned Arpornsuwon.
One exhibition will feature aesthetic pieces that portray Tibetan Buddhist philosophy, such as Sand Mandala, Butter Sculptures and sacred Thangka Paintings. Tibetan medicine, a photo exhibition, books and Tibetan souvenirs are also to be displayed for the Thai audiences.
The Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA) is the premiere exile institute entrusted with the responsibility of preserving and promoting Tibet’s unique tradition of performing arts. The Communist Chinese occupation of Tibet in 1959 forced His Holiness the Dalai Lama and some 80,000 Tibetans to flee India. After the occupation, the Chinese authorities attacked every aspect of Tibetan culture and civilization.
Today TIPA is a vibrant and creative institute, based in Dharamsala, north India. The institute has 112 members, including artistes, instructors, administrative staff and craftsmen, all of whom live on the institute’s premises. The members work with a clear sense of direction towards the preservation of the ancient Tibetan culture.
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Tickets to the cultural performance cost 1,000 baht. Admission to the speech, discussion and art exhibition is free. For more information, call 02-860-2194, 02-623-2838/9 or visit http://www.snf.or.th.
