The developing of prose theatre in Tibet has been largely ignored by Tibetologists and scholars of Asian theatre as well. One of the reasons behind the lack of interest in this new form of performing art is the fact that spoken theatre in Tibet is an art form that was first brought to Tibet by the Chinese under the auspices of the Propaganda Bureau. However, these neglected pieces of dramatic literature and performance can be a very useful tool of analysis of cultural politics in Tibet.

Lately Tibetans have come together to write and perform plays outside the supervision of the Cultural Bureau, creating a space for real experimental theatre beyond the strict and suffocating boundaries of state censorship.

We will look at some pieces of theatre written and performed by Tibetans in TAR (often in Chinese language) and try to understand how (and if) the development of a new form of theatre could move from its being a political tool of oppression to becoming a space for vision and hope.