Tibetan opera offers jobs
1300 years ago Princess Wencheng traveled far to marry during the Tubo Tang Dynasty. She brought with her advanced Chinese civilization and made a significant contribution to all aspects of development on the snow-covered plateau, including social and economic development. 1300 years later the reality drama “Princess Wencheng”, themed around this Han girl, is being performed in Lhasa.
“There are 310 houses and over 1000 people in the village, and more than 250 people played extras in the “Princess Wencheng” drama,” Tenzin Kelzang, village party branch secretary told reporters. With a monthly income of 3000 yuan, acting has become an important source of income for villagers.
Yaks and sheep have also become actors. Villager Lhamo has over 40 sheep and their biggest use up to now has been in making rugs and blankets to sell. Now, these sheep have become actors and earn him over 5000 yuan per month, which was unthinkable before.
Farmers with money have bid farewell to traditional production by coming up with many ways to do business, thus effectively widening the path to prosperity.
“Princess Wencheng” has also brought opportunities to the surrounding areas as many people from outside are opening restaurants, bookstores, featured product and tourism product shops. This has prompted many young villagers to take part in training courses such as driving, chef, tour guide and others.
In addition to promoting economic development, this drama also reflects the integration between Han and Tibetan people. Lan Cuo, an actress in “Princess Wencheng”, grew up in family where Han and Tibetan culture coexist. She has a deeper feeling towards the story of Princess Wencheng: “I hope to infuse Princess Wencheng’s spirit into my own body and vividly play out this moving epic about Tibetan and Han harmony.”