Published by: World Tibet Network News Monday, September 22, 1997

by Tashi Takla, Madison, WI 53705 USA

The Wisconsin Tibetan Association (WTA), WORT 89.9 FM Radio and Target Stores welcomed the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts to Madison September 10th through the 16th. A variety of activities and media events made their journey to Madison a great success.

On the day of their arrival, Norbu Choephel Kharitsang, WTA member and coordinator of TIPA's visit to Madison was interviewed by Katie Sai of CBS TV Channel 3. A video excerpt of TIPA's dancing was also shown during this interview. Prior to their performance at the Barrymore Theatre on Thursday evening, several members of the troupe and their director, Jamyang Dorje gave a live performance on NBC TV Channel 15.

Jamyang Dorje, TIPA's director was interviewed on Friday morning, September 12th, by Wisconsin Public Radio the well known talk show host Jean Feraca. During the hour long interview, Jamyang-la spoke on the importance of preserving Tibetan culture, the political situation in Tibet and the historical origins of Tibetan folk dances. He also emphasized that Tibetan culture not only belongs to the Tibetans but also the entire world. During the show, members of the group presented various Tibetan opera and folk songs live.

Later the same day, TIPA visited the office of Wisconsin Governor, Tommy Thompson, where they were presented a beautiful plaque honoring the Tibetan people and TIPA's important role in the preservation of Tibetan culture.

On Thursday and Friday evening, TIPA performed at the Barrymore Theater. Over 500 people attended the shows, including the Mayor of Madison, Sue Bauman and

a representative from the Governor's Office, Mrs. Debbie Hochkammer. The crowd was very enthusiastic and greatly appreciated the colorful and unique styles of Tibetan folk dances.

Saturday, September the 13th, a community picnic in TIPA's honor took place at Devil's Lake in Baraboo, Wisconsin. Approximately 60 members of the Wisconsin Tibetan community joined in the festivities.

On the following day, TIPA performed in Dodgeville, Wisconsin at Folklore Village. This performance was sponsored by Folklore Village and the Spring Green Tibetan Buddhist Dharma Center. This was a significant event as TIPA was the first Asian dance troupe ever to display its folk dances at Folklore Village. TIPA members were the honored guests at the community potluck that followed the show.

Four school visits were arranged on Monday September 15th. These short demonstration performances were thoroughly enjoyed by the children of Velma Hamilton, Van Hise, Glen Stevens and Randall Schools of Madison. Tibetan students at all the schools served as special hosts. Fellow classmates had many questions for the performers.

The crowning event for TIPA in Madison came in the morning on the day of their departure, Tuesday September 16th. They were requested to chant the "Prayers of Words of Truth" for the opening Session of the State Assembly which had been grid-locked since July 1997 in attempts to approve the $37 billion biennial state budget. The prayer which calls for an end to "unbearable war," famine and disease was warmly welcomed by the members of the Assembly who gave TIPA a standing ovation for it's performance. Interestingly, the Assembly approved the budget in the session following the prayer. After the opening prayer, Dave Mancel Chief of Staff of the Speaker on the speaker's behalf presented Jamyang Dorjee (Director TIPA) with a citation from the Wisconsin State Assembly.

The following is a copy of the Citation issued by the Wisconsin State Assembly to TIPA:

STATE OF WISCONSIN

CITATION BY THE ASSEMBLY

"Know you by these presents:

Whereas, after the revolt of 1959, in the mountain town of Dharamsala, India, the Dalai Lama set up the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts in an effort to preserve Tibet's unique artistic heritage; and,

Whereas, today the member's of the institute are the only serving master's of the music, dances, and theatrical traditions of Tibet and have greatly contributed to preserving Tibetan folk culture; and

Whereas, the Institute's musicians are not only the most skilled exponents of Tibetan folk and light classical music, but also play a wide variety of instruments; and

whereas, the beautiful , traditional costumes and masks used in performances and ceremonies are created and sewn by the members of the Institute: and

Whereas, under the auspices of the Wisconsin Tibetan Association of Madison, member's of the Institute are touring throughout the mid-west in an effort to share their rich Tibetan folk culture with many; now, therefore,

Representative Brancel on behalf of the Wisconsin State Assembly, under Assembly rule 97, hereby extends the Assembly's hearty welcome to the members of the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts and commends them for their tremendous effort in preserving their rich Tibetan folk heritage."

State Capitol. Representative Ben Brancel

Madison, Wisconsin. Speaker of the Assembly

September 16, 1997 Representative Stephen Freese

Speaker Pro Tempore

The week long visit by TIPA to Madison, Wisconsin was an enormous success due to the diligent efforts and hard work of Norbu Chophel, Savitiri Tsering and Sherab Gyaltsen Lhatsang who organized this visit as well as the Director of TIPA, Jamyang Dorje, Artist Director, Lobsang Samten, Music Director, Gompo Dorjee, and all thirteen artists of TIPA.

Check the WTA Web page at http://www.geocities.com/tokyo/3528 for pictures of TIPA's visit of Madison Wisconsin.