Traditional folk opera teaches villagers to love nature

Ecological preservation and environmental protection are part of the spiritual life for rural villagers in Bomi county of Southwest China's Tibet autonomous region, where they practice eco-themed ancient opera to enhance ecological preservation awareness.

Known as Dom Dom Chi in Tibetan, or literally referring to the "Bear and Dog", the opera is practiced in Sholpa village of the region's Dorje county, and has a history of more than 300 years.

According to local Tibetan villagers, the opera has no script; the content is enriched with interesting stories that makes the audience laugh from beginning to the end. It teaches others to protect wildlife, to not harm nature and to follow ecological protection laws and regulations.

According to Drolma Tsetan, a villager in Sholpa and a renowned actor and inheritor of the opera, said the opera originated from a religious activity hundreds of years ago.

Tsetan said the opera was listed as one of nine intangible cultural heritages by the county government.

At the annual event, the villagers go atop Tara Mountain in Sholpa village to conduct a religious event, and the opera is a key part of it.

"Now the village has 11 professional actors who perform the opera every year during the event; we are also invited to perform in other surrounding villages," he said.