Finding solace in dance and masksDANCING: K.G. Podiappuhamy who was born in an interior village of Kuttikanda in the Ratnapura district has developed his talent in dancing even at the age of ten. Today he has developed his own style of dancing and has won the applause of public at local events in temples and stage plays. While he was employed in the Department of Railways as a Policeman, he performed and displayed his dancing talents in stage plays.
He performed during the festival seasons of ‘Vesak’ and ‘Poson’ playing the roles in “Kalagola” “Ajasatha” and other historical plays. Although he is a retired government employee, he could play the drum, and any other musical instrument pre-serving the ancient traditions. He said, “I am not only a dancer but also an all rounder, but his capabilities are known only to a handful of persons in Sri Lanka. He said he had only one burning desire to dance. He achieved success and popularity among the people. He is also equally dexterous in displaying puppet shows to attract and entertain people on vesak and other religious festivals. He is good at making masks by utilising wood. He uses colours prepared from natural sources. He is grateful to his Guru Handi who encouraged him to develop his dancing talents. After his retirement he resides at No. 17 ‘A’, Gunatillaka Road Wadduwa. |
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