The Epic of Everest

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100 years ago Buddhist monks from Tibet toured the UK for the first time, performing at screenings of Captain John Noel’s film The Epic of Everest documenting the unsuccessful summit attempt of 1924 which led to the tragic death of climbers Mallory and Irvine. Their visit to the UK was arranged by the filmmaker without the permission of the Tibetan authorities and provoked the wrath of the 13th Dalai Lama as well as public outrage at what was perceived as a performance by ‘devil dancers’ on the London stage. The resulting scandal, known as ‘The Affair of the Dancing Lamas’ brought to an untimely end any further exploration of Everest by the British for almost a decade.

In association with their residency at Harewood House, the monks from Tashi Lhunpo Monastery revive the original prologue with live music and chanting, evoking the atmosphere of sacred Tibet, ending with a dedication for those who tragically lost their lives on the mountain in 1924.