London, one of the great cultural centers of Europe, and the theatre capital of the world is not unfamiliar with great theatrical variety. But even the sophisticated London audience finds novelty and intrigue in performances by artists who spend more time on the grasslands than on stage - and who perform the Tibetan Opera.

It was sheer curiosity that brought Londoners out to the Metropolitan University Theatre. Much of their curiosity arises from the same fascination seen round the world for the timeless land of Tibet.

This performance is of a special genre, an offshoot of the centuries-old Tibetan operatic art. It incorporates folk singing and dancing into more traditional and abstract theatrical language. The aim is to communicate meanings to audiences, who otherwise are unfamiliar with the history and religion of Tibet.

The troupe was founded in the 1980s, by a revered Tibetan monk, Ta-Luo. Today, it is led by his son Qiu-Ji. Seven performances are scheduled for the troupe's tour of Britain