Ciduo- Inheritor of Xiangba Tibetan Opera in Namling County, Shigatse, Tibet

Ciduo (次多) is a renowned inheritor of the Xiangba Tibetan Opera (日喀则南木林湘巴), a significant traditional Tibetan art form. Born in 1949 in Namling County (南木林县), Shigatse (日喀则), Tibet, he has dedicated his life to preserving and promoting the unique cultural heritage of Xiangba Tibetan Opera. As one of the representative inheritors of this art form, Ciduo has contributed extensively to the revival and continuation of Xiangba Tibetan Opera’s tradition.

Early Life and Introduction to Tibetan Opera

Ciduo was born in Namling County (南木林县), Shigatse (日喀则), Tibet, in 1949. His journey into Tibetan opera began in 1962 when he first participated in performances of the Xiangba Tibetan Opera (湘巴藏戏). Over the years, his exceptional talent and passion for the art form led him to become one of the foremost practitioners and educators of Xiangba Tibetan Opera. His performances have earned him numerous accolades, establishing him as a key figure in the preservation of this traditional art.

Key Contributions and Achievements

Ciduo’s career has been marked by numerous achievements and contributions to the promotion of Xiangba Tibetan Opera (日喀则南木林湘巴). He has been an active participant in major cultural events, such as the Shoton Festival (雪顿节) in Lhasa (拉萨). In both 1987 and 1988, he participated in the Tibetan opera competitions and performances during the festival, where he was recognized as an outstanding actor and received a special performance award for his exceptional skills.

From 2001 to 2006, Ciduo continued to showcase his talent by participating in the Mount Everest Cultural Festival (珠峰文化节), organizing and performing Tibetan opera during the event. He has performed in numerous towns and villages across Shigatse (日喀则), Namling County (南木林县), and Lhasa (拉萨), further cementing his role as a cultural ambassador for Tibetan opera. Ciduo’s vocal style is characterized by its powerful and resonant tones, which add a distinct texture to his performances. His performances are not only robust but also delicate, reflecting his deep understanding of the traditional Xiangba Tibetan Opera style.

The Legacy of Xiangba Tibetan Opera

Xiangba Tibetan Opera (日喀则南木林湘巴) is one of the most important schools of Tibetan opera and has a rich history. It traces its origins back to the reign of the Fifth Dalai Lama (五世达赖), when the Namling aristocrat Zashi Zhuba (南木林贵族扎西直巴) formed a theater troupe. The opera takes its name from the Xianghe River Valley (香河流域), where the tradition developed. In 2006, Xiangba Tibetan Opera was officially recognized as part of the first batch of national-level intangible cultural heritage by the Chinese State Council (中华人民共和国国务院) under the category of traditional drama (编号Ⅳ-80).

The opera’s traditional repertoire includes famous works such as Princess Wencheng and the Nepalese Princess (文成公主与尼泊尔公主), a significant piece in Tibetan opera, which has been passed down through generations of performers like Ciduo.

Challenges and Continued Efforts for Preservation

Ciduo has faced challenges, including the loss of performers and the difficulty of keeping younger generations involved in the art form. Nonetheless, his commitment to preserving this traditional art has not wavered. He has played a key role in ensuring that Xiangba Tibetan Opera (日喀则南木林湘巴) continues to thrive, passing down the techniques and skills to younger generations. His participation in large-scale cultural events and ongoing teaching has helped ensure that this vital piece of Tibetan cultural heritage remains alive and relevant.

Recognition and Support

In recognition of his significant contributions to Xiangba Tibetan Opera, Ciduo was formally acknowledged as one of the representative inheritors of the art form by the Tibet Autonomous Region Department of Culture (西藏自治区文化厅). This recognition came in November 2019 when the National Intangible Cultural Heritage Representative Project Protection Units List (国家级非物质文化遗产代表性项目保护单位名单) was announced. His dedication to the art form has inspired a new generation of actors, ensuring that the tradition of Xiangba Tibetan Opera will continue to flourish.