Regal romance between Tibetans and Han(2)

Soprano Wang Li portrays Princess Wencheng in the drama. Photo provided to China Daily

The drama is directed by Mei Shuaiyuan, who introduced the concept of the highly-acclaimed Impression series - shows with large-scale open-air performances and real landscape settings.

Princess Wencheng was staged at the National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing two years ago. Wang also performed at that show.

But she says the outdoor stage, a part of the 25,000-square meter village area and capable of holding nearly 1,000 performers, was overwhelming, especially owing to the stunning scenery.

"It was breathtaking when I performed with the Potala Palace in front of me, surrounded by mountains and underneath a starry sky," Wang says.

The Potala Palace is perhaps the most-recognized Tibetan landmark, which the king built for his queen. The story of their romance has been adapted into movies, novels and operas.

Wang says that she wants to focus on the human side of her role in it.

"The princess's journey must have been an emotional one. She was sad to be separated from her family at a young age but she was aware of her duty (respect the alliance). She also traveled all the way to marry a man who she had never met. I guess she pictured him a thousand times in her head."

In the eyes of the Tibetan people, Songtsan Gampo and Wencheng are godlike, says Sonam Gonpo, 24, a Tibetan singer who plays the role of the king in the drama. Unlike Wang, who performed in Mandarin, Gonpo used his local language to portray the role.

Born in Shiqu county, Ganzi Tibet autonomous prefecture in Sichuan province, where the average altitude is about 4,300 meters above sea level, Gonpo grew up listening to the story. As an adult, when he came to Beijing to pursue a career in music, he landed the role of the Tibetan king from among some 100 aspirants.

"My parents are Buddhists and they pray everyday. When they saw me performing the role, they felt so proud of me," he says.

"Besides linguistic and cultural backgrounds, there are many things common to Tibetans and the Han people."