Over the centuries, Tibetan opera has formed a three-part stage format.
1) The prelude--"Wenbadun"
In the prelude, known as "Wenbadun," Wenba men in blue masks, two Jialu men and several fairies take the stage, performing religious rituals, and songs and dances, introducing the actors and actresses, and explaining the story line of the opera that is to follow. The second part is the opera itself.
2)The second part
The second part,known as "xiong" is the opera itself.
3)The third part
The third part known as "zhaxi"is an epilogue which features a blessing ceremony and is also an occasion for the presentation of hada (silk ritual greeting scarves) and donations from the audience.
