Mahesh Dattani Drama Analysis

Multilevel sets, flashback device and role switching are the noted theatrical techniques of Dattani to juxtapose the past and the present effectively.The use of multi-level sets helps in connecting the past with present. “Mahesh Dattani’s plays are played out on multi-level sets where interior and exterior become one, and geographical locations collapse. In short, his settings are as fragmented as the families who inhabit them” (Dhawan and Pant 35).
It is interesting to note the comments of John McRae on Mahesh Dattani who remarks that, “Mahesh Dattani is always adventurous in his ways of using the theatrical space at his disposal: multiple levels, breaking the bounds of the proscenium, wondrously inventive use of lighting to give height, breadth and depth” (CP 45).
The stage-settings of Dattani are very complex.With the use of multi-level sets the whole interior of the house is visible to the audience. Dattani is even more innovative in the way he uses the multilevel sets for flashbacks in Final Solutions. Here the stage setting is even more complicated because both exterior and interior are presented on it. “The stage is dominated by a horseshoe-or crescent-shaped ramp, with the ends sloping to the stage level. Most of the action of the Mob/Chorus takes place on the ramp . . . . Within the confines of the ramp is a structure suggesting the house of …show more content…
The garden represents the past and all the events of the past life set in the garden. As against to this, the living room in the house represents the present. All the incidents connected to the present take place here. Thus, the split-scene is an appropriate device to move the action between the present and the past. The arrangement of furniture in the room is at least forty years old. The garden and living room symbolizes the past and present with the help of flashback device and split scenes