In her production, Chodron, 28, has directed her two protagonists -- Persian princess Turandot and Tartar prince Calaf -- to not only dress in the Tibetan opera style but also adjust their performances to mirror the western China art form.

 

 

"Tibetan opera is as pleasing to the ear as a bird's song," said Chodron.

 

Dating back to the 14th century, the performance style epitomizes Tibetan culture, combining dance, chanting and songs, and with the region's famed painted masks. It was awarded national intangible cultural heritage status in 2006 and was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2009.

 

Chodron began studying Tibetan opera when she was 12 years old and gave up the opportunity to attend a larger school outside her region to continue her opera studies.

 

She graduated from Tibet University in 2008 and became a professional performer.

 

After working with a troop of actors that toured villages around the region, in 2013, Chodron was accepted by the National Academy of Chinese Theater Arts (NACTA) to major in Tibetan opera.