Bai Mei- Inheritor of Kazhuo Zhaxi Bindun Tibetan Opera in Qonggyai County, Shannan, Tibet
Bai Mei (白梅) is the representative inheritor of the Kazhuo Zhaxi Bindun Tibetan Opera (山南琼结卡卓扎西宾顿), a traditional Tibetan opera from Qonggyai County (琼结县), Shannan (山南), Tibet. Born in May 1967 in Qonggyai (琼结), Bai Mei has become a significant figure in the preservation and performance of this unique art form, which has deep cultural roots in the Tibetan region. His work has earned him recognition as a National-level Intangible Cultural Heritage Inheritor.
Background and Education
Bai Mei began his journey in Tibetan opera at the age of 18 when he apprenticed under two master performers, Mi Cizhen (米次仁) and Mi Dunzhu (米顿珠), in 1985. By 1987, Bai Mei began performing professionally, inheriting the classical skills and performances passed down by his ancestors. His work preserves the traditional artistic style of Kazhuo Zhaxi Bindun Tibetan Opera (山南琼结卡卓扎西宾顿), maintaining the integrity of this age-old performance tradition.
His dedication to preserving and promoting Tibetan opera has led him to train numerous apprentices, ensuring that this traditional art form continues to thrive in the modern world.
Kazhuo Zhaxi Bindun Tibetan Opera: A Unique Tradition
The Kazhuo Zhaxi Bindun Tibetan Opera (山南琼结卡卓扎西宾顿) is one of the foundational forms of Tibetan opera, originating in the Qonggyai (琼结) region of Shannan (山南). The opera traces its roots back to the 15th century, when it was established by Tang Dongjebu (汤东杰布) along with seven siblings, forming the “Binton Ba” (宾顿巴) troupe, meaning “Seven Siblings” in the Tibetan language.
This traditional opera is renowned for its distinctive performance style, which includes white-faced masks that are featured in the famous murals of Sakya Monastery (桑耶寺). The core performance of the troupe is the Prince Norzang (诺桑王子), a dramatic story that highlights the rich cultural history and values of Tibet. The Kazhuo Zhaxi Bindun opera is characterized by its male role cross-dressing and the use of goat skin masks, creating a unique aesthetic that distinguishes it from other forms of Tibetan opera.
Cultural Significance and Preservation
In 2006, the Kazhuo Zhaxi Bindun Tibetan Opera was included in the first batch of National-level Intangible Cultural Heritage (国家级非物质文化遗产) projects, ensuring its protection and promotion. By 2019, the Tibet Autonomous Region Cultural Department officially became the protection unit for this opera, solidifying its status as an essential cultural treasure.
As a living representative of this heritage, Bai Mei plays a crucial role in ensuring the continuity of this performance tradition. His efforts to preserve the integrity of Tibetan opera, while also passing it on to the younger generation, are central to its survival and development.
Legacy and Contributions
Bai Mei’s influence extends beyond his own performances. As an educator, he has trained numerous apprentices, helping them understand the complexities of Tibetan opera, from its intricate movements to its unique vocal styles. His efforts to cultivate new generations of performers ensure that Kazhuo Zhaxi Bindun Tibetan Opera continues to be a thriving part of Tibetan culture (藏族文化).
Bai Mei’s commitment to preserving and promoting this traditional art form has earned him widespread recognition, and his performances continue to attract audiences who appreciate the rich history and deep cultural significance of Tibetan opera.
