Lady IAS officer performs “Kathakali”

A Geetha

Team News Riveting

Kochi, March 27

An Indian Administrative Officer (IAS) performing a “Kathakali” in the state can be surreal. Taking time from her busy scheduled, the 2014-batch IAS officer A Geetha has made it possible.

Posted as Wayanad District Collector A Geetha, her passion towards ‘Kathakali’ propelled her to perform ‘arangettam’ (the first performance) at a cultural festival here. Kathakali is a major form of Indian classical dance and performing at in Malayalam-speaking state of Kerala. It is a “story play” genre of art, but one distinguished by the elaborately colourful make-up, costumes and face masks that the traditionally male actor-dancers wear.

The IAS officer, who has served as Deputy Collector in Kollam besides holding several key posts, is a dancer from her schooldays. She has staged several performances. The IAS officer had a desire to learn Kathakali and perform it on stage. It was finally fulfilled on Saturday night.

Geetha played the character of ‘Damayanthi’ in ‘Nalacharitham’. Retired District Planning Officer Subhadra Nair and Soil Conservation department official Rathi Sudhir supported her among the other artists, who participated in the Kathakali performance.

She hails from Palakkad district in Kerala.

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