This
paper examines four plays from around the globe and analyzes their central themes. The paper
shows how David Hare's
"Absence of War" introduces audiences to the British political system and the total lack of personality in its leaders. In "Indian Ink", by Tom Stoppard, the paper discusses the
play's emphasis on the colonial era in India and power relations in the world. The paper looks at the psychological state of the characters in Harold Pinter's "The Caretaker" and the way their attire contributes to this state. Finally, the paper
shows how Sean O'Casey, in his play "Shadow of a Gunman", shapes his material the distinction between illusion and reality.