Mahesh Dattani's Final Solution

        'Final Solution by Mahesh Dattani'

This blog task is based on the practical experience which I came across, during my academic studies. We the students of English Department, got an opportunity to study the theatrical techniques a bit closer. My Professors Dr.Dilip Barad sir, organized a workshop which was conducted by Alpa Ponda ma'am, who is the research scholar at our Department and currently is pursuing PhD.

 

So this was a great opportunity for us, as a  students to know about the play and it's emotions too closely and we really did at an extent. The workshop was for about a week and during that time it was divided into sections like first two days we were told to do mono acting then ma'am alloted us to perform a small act which we have to perform within a 30 min. And next she taught us about the tone, the 9 Rasas, profile which is very important during any performance, because there are several rules for that as well, like we can't cross the face of the another character and can't even walk in a particular manner and many such which helps in creating a successful frame.

We also had vachikam at the last days of the workshop which helped in knowing more about the characters and it's situations their circumstances throughout the play. The ma'am crafted us into the character so well that we can feel the situation of the characters, their guilt and every emotions so closely.

How does Mahesh Dattani manipulate time and space within the dramatic framework of Final Solutions to create meaning? Explore the interplay of these elements with specific reference to the stagecraft techniques employed by the playwright.

He chooses topics that are usually never spoken about in society. These topics are always debated in various socials situations and are usually seen to be discussed in his plays and exhibition of the stage is quite efficiently. The stage has all the technicalities which take the play to a different level. According to Mahesh Dattani's writing style, he likes to play with lights, and this has different connotations attached to it, which, when one reads, finds it difficult to imagine. There is a difference between a written play and one that is performed on stage or in a theater. 

His choice of make-up and costume designs are always apt to the theme of the particular play that is going to be performed on the stage. Final Solutions is a play that portrays the religion and gender bias in two different eras and the generation gap that is accompanied . The two eras that are shown are the times when India gained independence only recently and the present day.

Examine the complexity of guilt experienced by the characters in the play. How does this emotion shape their actions and relationships?

There are people like Ramnik who take some stand against intolerance towards the minority and openly dislike conservative mindsets like that of Aruna and Hardika. However, people like Daksha, who actually wanted to befriend people from the Muslim community, were not able to do so, either because of outright condemnation or because of a lack of information about the full situation related to Muslims (Zarine’s father’s sweet shop comes to mind). After her father’s murder by a few Muslims, she becomes hateful to the entire community due to her upbringing and lack of education. So, the bottom line here is that not everyone seeking tolerance was able to get it. Some people had to go through a lot more hardships and guilt as compared to others.

Reflect on your journey through Final Solutions as a student of theatre. How did the process of studying, rehearsing, and performing this play shape your understanding and appreciation of theatre?

Talking about theater, I personally don't have much experience about it in this field but, I have done some of the small parts in short film and a skit but this was the very memorable experience of mine because, during this workshop under the guidance of Apla Ponda ma'am we really get to learn a lot about the rules and regulations of the theatre, we could not have covered all but she taught us to her fullest and we enjoyed learning a lot. 

This workshop was divided into different sessions, like first we did discussion about the basics and then moved further to improving our skills on intonation and then did vachikam which was the very important part of the play, and also learnt that how to go with costumes according to the character and situation. 

Conclusion

The workshop on theatrical techniques provided me an invaluable opportunity to immerse myself in the practical aspects of theater, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. Through the structured sessions, I gained a deeper understanding of the complexity involved in performing, from embodying the complex emotions of characters.

The exploration of Mahesh Dattani's "Final Solutions" not only enhanced my appreciation for stagecraft but also illuminated the powerful ways in which theater can address and reflect societal issues, particularly those related to religion, gender, and guilt. This experience has undoubtedly enriched my understanding of theater, equipping you with the skills and insights necessary to approach dramatic works with greater depth and sensitivity.

The link of our video, I'm attaching below. I hope this would be helpful.

Have a wonderful day,

Thank you.