Inter House Opera Competition

Poster of the Inter House Opera Competition (Photo: TCV Facebook)

27^th May 2022: After a month long vigorous preparation after the class by the students, the house masters, the dance teachers and the volunteers, the final Inter House Tibetan Opera competition was held in the school Gmeiner Hall on the night 27^th May. As usual there was the usual air of excitement and suspense in and around the auditorium among both the students and the house masters. The auditorium, which was beautifully adorned by the games committee with flex, posters, flowers and the banners of the four houses hanging on either side welcomed the guests, staff members and students above class VI. The Education Minister of the Department of Education, CTA Mrs. Changra Tharlam Dolma graced the occasion as the chief guest, along with the TCV president Mr. Sonam Sichoe la and other dignitaries, games committee members of nearby TCV schools.

Performers performing during the installation of Thangdong Gyalpo’s idol (Photo@ TCV Facebook)

The Master of the ceremonies (MC), Mr. Bhagdo la extended a warm welcome to each and everyone including the chief guest. He gave a brief introduction and the background information about this year’s Inter House Tibetan Opera competition. After that, he introduced the three judges namely Mrs. Tethong Kalsang  Chuki,  Tsering Paldon la and Mr. Phuntsok Tsering la, all musical legends and teachers. Soon, the first group of performers brought the idol of Thangthong Gyalpo, the founder of the Tibetan Opera, followed by the actual presentation of the four houses.

A Glimpse of the Inter House Opera Competition (Photo@ TCV Facebook)

Students on the floor mesmerized by the performance (Photo@ TCV Facebook)

The four houses were allotted half an hour to present the summary of the lengthy Tibetan opera, which was quite tough. Nevertheless, the four houses did their best in presenting the gist of their respective operas while providing the full entertainment for the audiences during both the final and the first show. The first show was presented on 26th May for the Junior section. On the very outset, Trisong house presented “Sugki Nima“, similar to Shakuntala by Kalidas, followed by Triral house who presented “Pema Woebar”, followed by Songtsen house who presented “Jetsun Melarepa” and finally Nyatri house who presented “Nangsa Woebhum”. Around 200 students were directly and indirectly involved in this mega event, making it one of the major events in the school calendar. Their month long preparation bore a good result as they received a word of appreciation from everyone plus a big round of applause from the audience. The mass visit at Shoton this year had also encouraged and motivated both the students and the house masters for presenting such an exceptional performance. By the way, it was the first time after 2016 that the school had decided to perform Tibetan opera this time instead of the usual song and dance to commemorate His Holiness’ birthday.

A moment before the declaration of the results. Sherig Kalaon with the school director, games committee chairperson and the secretary (Photo@ TCV Facebook)

Nyatri House accepting the most coveted trophy from the chief guest, honourable Sherig Kalon (Photo@ TCV Facebook)

After a little more than 2 hours of successive performances by the four houses, finally the result was out and the judges had unanimously chosen Nyatri house, which performed Nangsa Woebum as the winner. Both the students of Nyatri house and the house masters Gen Tsering Chokey la and Gen Bhuchung la breathe an air of relief. The chief guest, Education Kalon, escorted by the school director, Mr. Tsultrim Dorjee la, presented the trophies to the winners and the consolation prizes for all the houses. The chief guest expressed her heartfelt gratitude to committee for inviting her for the event. She praised the TCV institution for the great contribution in educating thousands of Tibetan children and being the forerunner in major initiatives. Speaking on the occasion, she said, “We all should be proud because even after more than 60 years in exile, we have successfully preserved our rich culture and tradition. We still have such rich culture and we must preserve these from generation to generation.” The chief guest also presented scarves for the three judges, the two volunteer teachers from TIPA, the house masters and their helpers, the mike in charge, videographer etc.

Nyatri House, the winner performing Nangsa Woebhum (Photo@TCV Facebook)

One of the audience said, “I really enjoyed the 2 hour opera and not even once did I feel bored. Some of the main characters in all the four houses were awesome. I realize, there isn’t anything our children can’t do; they can do anything provided that they are given opportunity. I want to thank the house masters and the participants”. One of the participants said, “I really enjoyed the whole processes from the beginning to this final day. Although, it was tedious but I feel proud because this is what His Holiness wants the young generation to inculcate and preserve our rich culture”.

Trisong House artists performing “Sugki Nima” (Photo@ TCV Facebook)

The eventful night came to an end with the vote of thanks speech by the games committee chairperson, Mr. Dorjee la, the senior section assistant headmaster. He thanked the chief guest, Mrs. Changra Tharlam Dolma la for her presence and the valuable talk, other guests, the house masters and the participants, the games committee members, the kitchen department and without naming each and everyone, all those who had made this event successful. All is well that ends well.