On Thursday night, the cultural organization Beacon Natyakendra staged the drama 'Ranadanka' (War Drum) at the Rangpur District Shilpakala Academy auditorium. The play, based on the historic peasant uprising in Rangpur during British rule, captivated hundreds of audience members. This event marked the first day of a two-day programme celebrating the 35th founding anniversary of Beacon Natyakendra. 'Ranadanka' portrays the true events of the peasant uprising against the British East India Company's unjust tax policies and the oppressive tax farmer (ijaradar) Devi Singh. The protagonist, Nurul Din, was the great leader of this uprising.
The drama highlights Nurul Din's role in rousing ordinary farmers against British exploitation and landlord tyranny. Through the use of the regional dialect, the play vividly depicts the sorrows, hardships, and struggles of the people of Rangpur. 'Ranadanka' was written and directed by senior journalist and cultural figure Ariful Haque Ruju. Fourteen artists, both new and veteran members of Beacon Natyakendra, participated in this approximately 50-minute production.
The play employs various acting techniques to depict the timeline from the Battle of Plassey to March 3, 1971, the eve of Bangladesh's Liberation War. Bhupen Pal, who played the lead role, stated, 'Whenever the country faces injustice, political crises, or the oppression of its people, the fighting spirit of Nurul Din is remembered.' Nurul Din is portrayed not merely as a historical figure but as an eternal symbol of resistance against injustice and oppression.
Ariful Haque Ruju, the playwright and director, emphasized the importance of keeping history alive for the new generation. He noted, 'Spanning the 200 years from the Battle of Plassey to the Liberation War, two events in Rangpur stand out as the first of their kind in the subcontinent. One is Nurul Din's struggle against the British East India Company, and the other is the self-sacrifice of Shanku Samajdar on March 3, 1971, during the Liberation War—an act inspired by the path of Nurul Din.'
Viewers appreciated the drama for its vivid portrayal of the self-sacrifice, struggles, and contributions of the people of Rangpur. Local journalist Farhaduzzaman Faruk remarked that the keen interest shown by Beacon Natyakendra in portraying the history of the Rangpur people's struggles through such extraordinary expressions of pain and anguish is truly unparalleled.
The significance of 'Ranadanka' extends beyond its historical context. It serves as a reminder of the enduring spirit of resistance that has shaped Bangladesh's journey towards independence and self-determination. By commemorating the struggles of figures like Nurul Din, the play underscores the importance of remembering and learning from the past to build a just and equitable future.
