Final solution by Mahesh Dattani

 Welcome to my blog,

This blog is part of our study. This Thinking activity is based on "Final Solution" which was assigned by Vaidehi Ma'am Department of English MKBU. In this task, I am going to discuss my point of view and try to answer the questions that were asked us through this task.

Introduction of Writer:

Mahesh Dattani

Mahesh Dattani is a well-known modern Indian playwright as well as the first Indian playwright to be awarded the Sahitya Academy Award in (1998), which is regarded as the highest award in the writing field for one of his best creations Final Solution And Other Plays. He is not only a playwright but also a stage director, an actor, a screenwriter, and a filmmaker. He is continuing to contribute to the Indian-English drama.

The theme of his plays is extremely out of mind and unconventional as he always focuses on the burning concepts of society like problems of women, gender discrimination, taboos, husband-wife relationships, etc.

Dattani remarks himself, “The function of the drama, in my opinion, is not merely to reflect the malfunction of the society but to act like freak mirrors in a carnival and to project grotesque images of all that passes for normal in our world. It is ugly, but funny”. 

His plays are somewhere, and he has successfully staged his plays in the whole country. He set himself as a successful playwright among some remarkable playwrights and directors such as Badal Sircar, Vijay Tendulkar, Girish Karnad, and, Mahesh Elkunchwar, who no doubt contributed a lot to the growth and development of Indian drama. Dattani’s art of writing expresses different mental states, emotions and ideas, desires and aspirations, strengths and weakness, basic moral and social questions as well as individual predicaments. They also introduce a real and true picture of the social, political, economic, and cultural life of present times.

A brief overview of the Play:

Final Solution

Final Solutions was written and performed in 1993, a period of high tension and violence in urban India. The play grew in a specific context as Dattani responded to the Babri Masjid demolition in 1992. Dattani‟ 's social consciousness led him to address the contemporary social issue of religious communalism to advocate communal harmony. He tries to convey that there are no solutions to this problem except for that of acceptance and empathy for each other.

Final Solutions opens with the image of five masked individuals dressed in black. Dattani has named them Mob/Chorus. Each member has two masks one is of Hindu and the other of Muslim. They remain on the top of a large crescent-shaped ramp for most of the time in the play. Below the ramp is the home of Gandhi, a middle-class family, in present day, Amargaon, Gujarat. The Gandhi family comprises the elderly survivors of the partition of India and Pakistan, Hardika, who was earlier known as Daksha, her son Ramnik, her daughter-in-law, Aruna, and her granddaughter Smita. On another level of the stage is Daksha  's room in 1948. Thus the play is into three spaces one, the mob, two, the Gandhi family and three, the memory of Dakhsha. At various points in time, these three separate worlds interact and overlap with each other.

What is the significance of the title "Final Solutions" and what is the final solution of the play?

The title "Final Solutions" by Mahesh Dattani holds a multifaceted significance, drawing connections to the play's underlying themes. On the surface, it references the Holocaust and the Nazi regime's infamous plan for the systematic genocide of Jews, known as the "Final Solution."

However, within the context of Dattani's play, "Final Solutions" takes on a more profound and metaphorical meaning. Set against the backdrop of the aftermath of the Babri Masjid demolition in 1992, the play delves into the issue of religious communalism and its devastating aftermath. Dattani's choice of the title "Final Solutions" suggests that the play isn't confined to a single event but rather grapples with the broader problem of communal discord and the pressing need for resolution.

By employing this title, Dattani underscores the seriousness of the matter and the urgency of finding enduring solutions to the deeply ingrained conflicts in society. It serves as a poignant reminder that the repercussions of communal disharmony can be severe, and that the quest for peaceful coexistence is of paramount importance.

Additionally, the title also echoes the play's exploration of the inadequacies of traditional conflict resolution approaches. Dattani implies that simplistic, one-sided solutions fall short, and true resolution demands acceptance, empathy, and understanding.

To sum it up, Mahesh Dattani's choice of the title "Final Solutions" is laden with significance, as it evokes the historical context of the Holocaust while underscoring the immediate need for enduring solutions to the issue of communal disharmony in Indian society.

What was the difference you observed in the movie and the play you performed?

Just as movies and books can evoke distinct experiences even when sharing the same plot and references, the dynamic between performing a play on stage and watching it as a movie is remarkably different. When we perform scenes from a play, we immerse ourselves in the art of live performance, learning how to act and engage with an audience. Watching movies may entertain us, but it doesn't grant us insight into the intricacies of stage performance.

By taking part in scenes from a play, we step into the world of that particular theatrical work. After our performance, we analyze our efforts, identifying mistakes and areas that require improvement. This hands-on experience offers a deeper understanding of the play's nuances and the demands of live acting, making it a valuable learning process.

Share your thoughts on understanding drama through drama-based pedagogy or involvement in theatrical practices.

Plays and dramas are meant to be performed, not just watched or read. When we watch a movie or read a script, it can be intriguing, and we may grasp the storyline, but something crucial remains unexplored unless we make an effort to delve into the emotions behind the drama, the words, and the script.

Performing a play offers a unique perspective. It compels us to understand the nuances of the characters, the depth of the dialogue, and the intricacies of the script. It's a transformative experience that reveals the essence of the art form. In the process of practicing and memorizing lines, we come to a realization that the true nature of drama and play is far richer and more complex than we might have perceived throughout our lives.

Our engagement with drama through practice is intense. We immerse ourselves in the characters, understand their motivations, and feel the emotions in the words they speak. This involvement in drama-based pedagogy is not just important; it is incredibly effective. It enriches our understanding of the art form and, in the process, teaches us life lessons about empathy, communication, and the power of expression.

What kind of skills do you develop while undergoing the preparation process for a performance and how?

The play proved to be both captivating and enlightening. It was a journey filled with enjoyment, and it offered us valuable insights into our own capabilities. I discovered not only new skills but also a deeper understanding of my emotional range. I realized that I could authentically express a wide spectrum of emotions - from tears to laughter, from shyness to anger - in line with the demands of the script.

One significant revelation was that I could remember my lines more effectively through practice rather than endless reading. This practical experience underscored the power of hands-on learning and the value of putting in the effort to truly internalize and deliver the dialogues with conviction.

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