Tibetan Cultural Pageant Comes to Chapel Hill, NC

April 28, 2011 - PRLog -- Tibetan Monks from Drepung Gomang Monastery Perform at University Mall

April 28, 2011 – Chapel Hill, NC – Dance and pageantry have a special place in Tibetan culture, whether it’s to inspire strength and playfulness or celebrate the attainment of wisdom. In May, North Carolinians will be able to experience a bit of Tibetan dance and other ceremonial routines at two upcoming performances by Tibetan Monks of the Drepung Gomang Monastery. The first – a free preview performance of the Tibetan Cultural Pageant – is Tuesday, May 24, 7:00 p.m. at University Mall in Chapel Hill. Four days later people may attend the full Tibetan Cultural Pageant at the ArtsCenter in Carrboro. Suggested donations for the pageant are $10 adults/$7.50 children. Both performances are part of the programming during the monks’ week-long tour in Chapel Hill, NC, May 22- May 30, 2011. For additional information, please visit www.monkstour.info.

“The arts and culture of Tibet are colorful and engaging,” says event coordinator, Eve Barkley. “I’m sure people of all ages, backgrounds and beliefs will enjoy the messages of peace, wisdom, and compassion the monks wish to share.”

Elements of the Tibetan Cultural Pageant
TASHI SHOPA DANCE – a routine to bring good luck to the audience at the beginning of Tibetan opera or other special occasions.  

SNOW LION DANCE – a performance dedicated to the mythical snow lion, which symbolizes the fearless and elegant quality of the enlightened mind.

YAK DANCE –featuring the yak as a messenger of the gods, this traditional dance demonstrates the peaceful co-existence of human beings with the animal kingdom.

Other cultural elements on display at the pageant include chanting beautiful ceremonial – or reciting time-honored prayers – and active debates. Tibetan monks use debate as a way to learn Buddhist philosophy.

Sacred Arts Tour Information
The tour begins with an opening ceremony on May 22, 2011 at 523 E. Franklin Street in Chapel Hill, NC. The monks will complete their sacred sand mandala over the course of five days and will hold a deconstruction ceremony on May 30, 2011. The mandala construction site will be open to the public from May 22 until May 30.

The monks have been coming to the United States for the past 8 years, sponsored by Drepung Gomang Institute, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit educational institute, located in Louisville, Kentucky. Local sponsors of this event include the Town of Chapel Hill Parks & Recreation Cultural Arts Division (in-kind donation of the space at 523 E. Franklin Street), The ArtsCenter, University Mall, and The Printery.
                 
A complete list of tour events follows (photo opportunities exist throughout)

Sunday, May 22
Opening Ceremony
Noon
523 East Franklin Street

Tuesday, May 24
Tibetan Cultural Pageant Preview
7:00 p.m.
University Mall

Friday, May 27
Sand Painting Workshops for adults and children (8+)
10:00 a.m. – noon
523 E. Franklin Street

Butter Sculpture Workshops for adults and children (8+)
1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
523 E. Franklin Street

Saturday, May 28
Sand Painting Workshops for adults and children (8+)
10:00 a.m. – noon
523 E. Franklin Street

Butter Sculpture Workshops for adults and children (8+)
1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
523 E. Franklin Street

Tibetan Cultural Pageant
7:00 p.m.
The Arts Center, Carrboro

Sunday, May 29
Sand Painting Workshops for adults and children (8+)
10:00 a.m. – noon
523 E. Franklin Street

Butter Sculpture Workshops for adults and children (8+)
1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
523 E. Franklin Street

Monday, May 30
Closing Ceremony
2:00 p.m.
523 East Franklin Street


For additional information, please contact:
Eve Barkley
Event coordinator
Phone: 919-368-4517 :: ebarkley@monkstour.info