Life of Chögyal Trisong Dheutsen: A Musical Theatre

TIPA 27th May 2009: On the occasion of 50^th commemorative year in exile, a massive archival project has been initiated at Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts. In the last fifty years, the academy has added in its musical repertoire, a wide variety of folk dance, songs, historical plays and Tibetan operas within its theatrical recitals.

In mid sixties, the former musicians and artistes of the institute has devised a novel way of illustrating the life of Tibet’s greatest religious kings Chögyal Trisong Dheutsen and Chögyal Tri Ralpa Chen through a musical theatre. These plays were interspersed with colorful and lively dances and songs, which were re-adapted from original folk dances that have been popular within various villages and towns in Tibet. 

Through narration, dialogues and songs, the artistes bring alive these historical figures and the important roles they played in shaping the Tibetan world. Chögyal Trisong Dheutsen, ruled the Tibet from 755 until 797 B.C. He is the second of the three greatest Dharma Kings of Tibet, playing pivotal role in introducing Buddhism to Tibet. During his time, he invited Guru Padmasambhava, Shantarakshita, Vimalamitra and other great Indian masters to Tibet in order to teach and spread Buddhism. The two great scholars at time also helped in establishing the most holy Samye Monastery, the first Buddhist Monastery in Tibet. The tradition of monk hood was also introduced during his time and they later helped in translating the Buddhist scriptures from Sanskrit to Tibetan.

Eminent writers and high incarnates like his Eminence Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, his Eminence Kyabje Ling Rinpoche wrote the lyrics of these songs. His eminent Kyabje Dudjom Rinpche also methodically wrote and compiled the main script of the play and some of the lyrics as well. Rich in poetry and simple in language, these lyrics and expression celebrates the essence of Tibetan spirits and history of this great nation.

Fifty year, down the lane, many of these former artistes who initially worked on creating this unique musical theatre like Master Chagnang Lhawang Tsering, Shod Drung Chichag Tashi Dorjee, Shod Drung Nornang Ngawang Norbu, Kashod Bartso Dorjee Dhondup and Chagnang Dorjee Rigzin had unfortunately passed away and those rest who had earlier performed these dances have now mostly been resigned and retired. Wary of the tough new life in exile as a refugee, the play was intended to enliven spirits and inspire Tibetan people to take pride in their history and civilization. For the thousand of youngsters, it was a window to Tibet’s glorious past.

Sensing the growing challenge that might be imposed on the future artistes and musicians in years to come, in recreating this great musical piece, the institute had initiated the audio and visual archival work of the these plays. 

Speaking on the project, Director Mr.Wangchuk Phasur remarked, “It had been 50 years in exile and we have arrived at certain crossroad. It is high time that we ensure quality transmission of these cultural legacies and for that to happen, a proper documentation and timely archival work is a must beside the training and education of our musicians and artistes.”

He further added that these archival materials would be also made available to all those interested scholars, ethnomusicologist and researchers visiting the institute for their academic pursuit.

The project has been partly supported by National Endowment for Democracy, (NED). Currently, the filming of the play Chögyal Trisong Dhuetsen is underway and in months to come, the play of Chögyal Tri Ralpa Chen will also be duly archived. The final videos will be later made available to the general public during the institute's Golden Jubilee Celebration.