A group of Tibetan Buddhist monks are creating something very special at a Norwich theatre where they are performing this week.

Eastern Daily Press: Tibetan monks are making an intricate sand mandala – a traditional Hindu and Buddhist symbol representing the universe - out of coloured sand and crushed rocks at Norwich Playhouse.Tibetan monks are making an intricate sand mandala – a traditional Hindu and Buddhist symbol representing the universe - out of coloured sand and crushed rocks at Norwich Playhouse. (Image: submitted)

The monks are presenting The Power of Compassion - a presentation of sacred dance, music and prayer - at Norwich Playhouse on Friday, and all this week they can be seen creating a symbolic work of art in the theatre's Playroom. Following a ceremony on Monday, the monks are making an intricate sand mandala – a traditional Hindu and Buddhist symbol representing the universe - out of coloured sand and crushed rocks. The mandala is set to be ritually destroyed in a final ceremony open to the public at 11am on Saturday. The sand symbols will be removed in a specific order before being collected into a jar, wrapped in silk and transported to the river outside the theatre in a procession, where the sand will be released back into nature.

• Tashi Lhunpo Monastery UK Trust's The Power of Compassion is on Friday at 7:30pm. Tickets £15 (£12 concessions). To book call 01603 598598 or visit www.norwichplayhouse.co.uk