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December, 2011:

Tibet2Timbuk2

Rollicking Tibetan folk, afro-reggae guitar grooves and intricate Indian tabla sound as if they were made for each other! Together, Tenzin Choegyal, Marcello Milani and Shen Flindell create a new joyful sound that transcends cultural boundaries. Tibet2Timbuk2 has an eclectic repertoire resulting in an overall sound which is full and organic. All three musicians share melody, harmony, bass and percussion roles to create a solid yet easy groove.

Kyinzom Dhongdue

Kyinzom is a campaigner with Australia Tibet Council, an organisation that campaign for the human rights and democratic freedoms of the Tibetan people. The daughter of a noted Tibetan activist, Kyinzom grew up in Dharamsala and was schooled in the Tibetan Children’s Village. After studying at Delhi University, Kyinzom worked a journalist for the Times of India and The Asian Age. She has lived in Australia since 2006 and was the official reporter for the Dalai Lama’s 2011 Australian visit.

Tenpa Dugdak

Tenpa was born in Tibet, grew up in India and is now living in Sydney. With his partner, Karen- he started ‘the Tibet effect’ movement-to document and further the positive impact of the Tibet movement on humanity on every level – He returned to his birthplace in Tibet for the first time in 2007 with his family, since he escaped as a baby on his Mother’s back. The return has been compiled into a book titled ‘ Our Tibet which was published in 2008.

 

Sonam Norbu Dagpo

Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Australasia was born in Tibet in 1956 and escaped to India in 1962. He holds a Master of Public Administration from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. Sonam has been a member of HH the Dalai Lama’s delegation to China from 2002 to 2008 and is a founding member of the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy and the Tibetan Young Buddhist Association.

Tsering Thakchoe Drungtso

Tsering T. Drungtso is a traditional Tibetan doctor graduated from Tibetan Medical and Astrological College (Men-Tsee-Khang) Dharamsala, India. He has been editor of many noted Tibetan magazines for health and well-being. He has a deep understanding of modern and traditional medicines and  travelled extensively around the globe for healing seminars. He was also awarded the status of Visiting Research Associate Scholar and member at the Darwin College, Cambridge, UK in 2005. Doctor Tsering is a compassionate traditional practitioner while keeping the values of changing modern world.

Tenzin Tsundue

Tenzin Tsundue is a poet, writer and Tibetan activist. He won the first-ever Outlook-Picador Award for Non-Fiction in 2001. He has published three books to date, translated into several languages. Tsundue’s writings have appeared in various publications around the world including the International PEN, Outlook, and The Times of India. In 2002 the Indian edition of the international fashion magazine Elle, named him among ‘India’s 50 most stylish people’.

Tashi Lhunpo Monks Of TIBET

Tashi Lhunpo was founded by H.H. the 1st Dalai Lama, Gyalwa Gendun Drup, in 1447. It is one of the four great monasteries of Central Tibet which was supervised and looked after by the Dalai Lamas and Panchen Lamas and has the glory of producing thousands of renowned scholars in the field of Mahayana Buddhist Philosophy. After the invasion of Tibet in 1959, Tashi Lhunpo Monastery was re-established at Bylakuppe in South India in 1972. The monastery has monks coming from Tibet and Himalayan regions like Spithi, Khunu, Ladakh, Ghashar and Sangkhar. At present there are over 250 monks including many Tulkus (reincarnate lamas). The monks have to go through year intensive program of study of both sutra and tantra, debate, and are instructed in the creation of sand mandalas and butter sculpture, ritual performance, music, chanting, dance and basic literary skills in Tibetan and English. Each monk must also complete a two to three month meditation retreat for each of the principal deities and protectors, in order to qualify to perform their rituals. The cycle of retreats might take up to six years to complete.

The Blue Buddha – Lost Secrets of Tibetan Medicine

This film is a journey into the heart of Tibetan medical practice and explores what it has to offer to today’s Western medicine. Followed by a Conversation on Remedies for Happiness  with traditional Tibetan doctor Tsering Thakchoe and Mr. Sal Battaglia (Perfect Potion founder).

Dr Thakchoe explains the use of meditation, medicinal herbs, incantations, mantras and blessings still employed by traditional Tibetan practitioners to treat a variety of physical and psychological ailments. Sal Battaglia discusses his passion for the art of aromatherapy and shares his approach to creating a holistic way of life.

Visy Theatre Thurs 2nd Feb 7pm $15  Phone Box Office (07) 3358 8600 or click

Summer Pasture

Summer Pasture is an intimate glimpse into the experiences of a young Tibetan family struggling to reconcile their traditional way of life with a rapidly modernising world. Rigid government policies have forced many nomadic families into permanent settlement in towns and cities and, according to the nomads, the world has entered duegnan – ‘dark times’. This feature-length documentary chronicles one summer with the family amidst this period of great uncertainty.

Visy Theatre  Wed 1st Feb 7pm $15  Phone Box Office (07) 3358 8600 or click

RANGZEN: for TIBET with Love Concert

In a journey into the world of Tibetan chants and ritual dances, the Monks of Tibet perform sacred rituals which embody the essence of secret tantric teachings. Tenzin Choegyal draws on his traditional Tibetan roots to create original and authentic musical compositions which uniquely express his cultural heritage. The Roaring Fire Choir of 50 voices with Tenzin, led by renowned musical director, Yani, presents an inspiring performance to complete a magical and moving evening of music.

Visy Theatre  Fri 3rd Feb 8pm $30 ($25con)   Phone Box Office (07) 3358 8600 or click

Planet BEMAC

Part of the Afternoon Planet series presented by BEMAC and Powerhouse for the Festival of Tibet, this free concert features the ever-popular Tibet2Timbuk2 and friends on the Turbine Platform.

Turbine  Sat 4th Feb 5pm FREE

The TIBET Effect

Be the first audience ever to experience the new collaborative work, The Tibet Effect, featuring Indian based Tibetan poet, author and activist, Tenzin Tsundue, the Tashi Lhunpo Monks, Katherine Philp (cello), Shen Flindell (tabla), Peter Hunt (trumpet) and Tenzin Choegyal (dranyen, flute, vocals). Through poetry, narrative, music and chant, The Tibet Effect opens a door to the Tibetan refugee experience, the hopes, fears and dreams of those who long for justice. Enlightening and often amusing, The Tibet Effect will certainly create ripples within all who witness it.

Tenzin Tsundue is an award winning author, poet and activist who resides in Dharamsala, India.  Named by the Indian edition of the fashion magazine Elle as one of India’s 50 ‘most stylish people of 2002’. He has published three books, his writings winning the Outlook-Picador Award for Non-Fiction in 2001. The charismatic Tenzin Tsundue has been wearing his red headband for eight years and pledges not to remove it until Tibet is free.

Visy Theatre  Sat 4th Feb 8pm $30 ($25con)   Phone Box Office (07) 3358 8600 or click