Tibetan opera, Ace Lhamo or Lhamo, which means Fairy Sister in Tibetan language, is a kind of time-honored Tibetan art. It is said to be created 
by Drupthok Thangthong Gyalpo, a monk and ridge builder in the 14th century. He arranged the first performance with the assistance of seven beautiful young ladies to collect money to build bridges so as to improve transportation conditionsand ease pilgrimage. The custom was handed on and grew into Tibetan opera, loved by every native. Normally Tibetan Opera shows can be enjoyed on diverse gala occasions, such as Shoton (the Sour Milk Festival), during when professional and amateur troupes are invited to Lhasa to stage fabulous shows.
Buddhist teachings and Tibetan ancient stories are the generators of Tibetan Opera’s inspiration, thus most of its repertoire is based on Buddhist stories and historic legends. The traditional play is a combination of dancings, tones, songs, and costumes. When performing, they wear masks that are strong in color and strange in apprance, which are highlights of the shows. Usually on the forehead of the mask there is a pattern of the Sun and Moon. From the mask, the character of the actor can be identified. A red mask refers to the King; a green the queen; a yellow lamas and deities, etc. A Tibetan opera performance follows strict processes. Each performance starts with the purification of the stage and a blessing to the God. A narrator sings a summary of the story in verse. Then performers show up and begin to dance and sing. The plays conclude with a blessing ritual.
