Saka Jallianwala Bagh relives gruesome massacre

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, June 15

Saka Jallianwala Bagh, a play penned by playwright Jatinder Brar as a tribute to the martyrs of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, opened over the weekend at the Punjab Naatshala. The play is in Punjabi and has an ensemble of senior theater artistes from the city. “Anyone who reads about the incident or knows its history will feel the pain and sheer monstrosity of the act. The play reminds the human atrocity that gave an impetus to the Indian freedom movement. It is also a tribute to those killed by Britishers despite peaceful demonstration,” said Jatinder Brar.

The seven-act play starts with fictional characters set in the time period of 1915 to 1948, and explores the major happenings like WWI and implications of the Indian Nationalist Movement, Gadar movement, introduction of Rowlatt Act and Jallianwala Bagh massacre. It also gave a brief history about General Reginald Dyer’s family legacy of opening breweries and his infamous temperament and reputation as a tyrant.

“The idea was to connect the audience to the history by taking them through all the events that were significant in shaping up the circumstances that led to the massacre. It is not only a history lesson, but a dialogue on the concept of freedom during the time of Jallianwala Bagh incident and today,” said Brar.

The one and a half hour play also used montages and audios sourced from the archives to bring in the authenticity.

“I want Jallianwala Bagh incident to remain fresh as an act to suppress people’s right to expression. Thousands were killed because they were exercising their right to freedom of expression and today’s generation should remember Jalianwala Bagh as a place where freedom of expression should be encouraged. It should be made into a platform for all to come and express their thoughts freely. That will be a true homage to the lives sacrificed,” Brar added.